TSMC to Mass-Produce 3-Nanometer Chips in Kumamoto

Tokyo, Feb. 5 (Jiji Press)--Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest chip foundry, said Thursday that it will start mass-production of cutting-edge semiconductors with a circuit line width of 3 nanometers at its second plant in the town of Kikuyo in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

TSMC Chairman and CEO C. C. Wei conveyed this plan to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi when they met at the prime minister's office in Tokyo the same day.

It would be the first mass-production of such semiconductors in Japan, if realized.

The Japanese government will mull providing the Taiwanese firm with further aid as it believes that the planned mass-production will lead to the enhancement of Japan's economic security.

In his meeting with Takaichi, Wei said that 3-nanometer technology will form the foundation of Japan's artificial intelligence business. "I would like you to promote the plan," the prime minister replied.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]