TSMC shifts focus to Japan amid challenges in Arizona chip factory

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, is reevaluating its production strategy, turning to Japan as a more optimistic production base due to ongoing issues at its Arizona factory. TSMC has encountered difficulties in recruiting workers in Arizona and has faced opposition from unions regarding the hiring of foreign labor. Meanwhile, in Japan, TSMC is making progress with an $8.6 billion chip factory on Kyushu Island, set to produce mature-technology chips by 2024. The company is even considering expanding its capacity in Japan, potentially including the production of more advanced chips. Such an expansion could aid Japan in regaining its chip manufacturing status and supporting its electronics and automotive industries in the face of regional competition.