No. of Recommendations: 6
Thanks for posting the politico article bigshan, it was an interesting read. I like Chang, he reminds me a bit of Charlie in his bluntness.
I don't have high hopes for advanced semiconductor fabrication in the United States. It is true that the cost structure will be much higher, but from a TSM perspective it is important to note that Apple is the major customer who wanted this (the Arizona project) and Apple has committed to paying a higher price for these US-made chips from TSM. Like so many activities that are borderline or completely un-economic, there are more than one fingers on the scale here between Apple committing to pay a large premium in the name of diversification and PR, the US grants, tax subsidies, etc...
Obviously TSM is wary of this project and will make sure their company is protected.
(sources for TSM saying Apple has committed to paying higher prices for the Arizona chips are TSM conference call transcripts)