Economics Minister Wang Mei-hua says that Taiwanese enterprises do not have to hand over confidential information as part of a survey of semiconductor supply chains. Earlier this month, the US Secretary of Commerce asked semiconductor manufacturers for help uncovering the reasons for the current global semiconductor shortage.
Wang says she discussed the issue with American Institute in Taiwan’s head Sandra Oudkirk in their periodic meeting. She says the US probe is not specifically targeting Taiwan, and that South Korean and German vendors were asked the same questions. None of the companies have to give away confidential information. She also says the US is the biggest customer for Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers, so vendors should cooperate wherever possible.
Premier Su Tseng-chang also says that the questionnaire is completely voluntary, and that the government will support Taiwanese enterprises.
The probe was sent to Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung, among others. As a result, some in Taiwan have questioned whether the economics ministry is able to protect the interests of Taiwanese companies.