TSMC rumored to build massive 1nm fab 25 facility in Southern Taiwan

TSMC’s Arizona wafer fab, Fab 21 Phase 1, has officially entered mass production on its 4nm process in the first quarter of this year. Monthly capacity is expected to reach 30,000 wafers by mid-year.

Meanwhile, construction for Fab 21’s Phase 2 and Phase 3 is set to proceed this year and next, with facility completion slated for 2025 and 2027, respectively. These expansions will include the installation of cleanrooms and utilities, gradually introducing the nanosheet transistor structure for TSMC’s 2nm process, further strengthening its US manufacturing capabilities.

The same report suggests that industry observers believe TSMC may add advanced packaging capacity in Texas, filling a critical gap in the chip manufacturing process.

Additionally, Commercial Times notes that TSMC’s board of directors is rumored to be holding a meeting in the US on February 12. Semiconductor industry sources point out that following discussions between former US President Donald Trump and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang on AI policy, TSMC’s visit to the US serves multiple purposes. Beyond an on-site inspection of its new fab, the trip underscores the company’s commitment to US semiconductor manufacturing.

TSMC’s 1nm Fab Set for Tainan
Separately, reports indicate that TSMC’s 1nm fab is expected to be located in Shalun, Tainan. According to Economic Daily News, the company has designated this facility as Fab 25 and plans to build a Giga-Fab capable of housing six fabs. The site selection aims to enhance the synergy of TSMC’s advanced manufacturing cluster in Southern Taiwan while integrating with Taiwan’s broader semiconductor ecosystem, which includes science parks in Chiayi, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung.

TSMC’s Official Response
In response, TSMC stated that site selection involves multiple considerations, emphasizing that Taiwan remains its primary operational hub while keeping all options open. The company advised that official announcements should be referenced for the most accurate information. TrendForce