TSMC will be expanding its global manufacturing this year, with speculations about establishing a 3-nanometer plant in Japan. Apart from facilities in the United States and Germany, the progress of its Japanese plant is eagerly anticipated.
Analysts project that the production at TSMC's Kumamoto Fab 2 plant will begin in 2027, and theoretically, the production for Fab 3 will commence in 2029. Considering seismic concerns in Japan, TSMC may choose locations outside Kumamoto for the Fab 3 plant. The analyst notes that TSMC has a history of establishing research and development centers in Yokohama and Osaka, making it feasible to set up manufacturing in these areas.
According to analysts, TSMC is not only introducing 2nm processes in its Arizona plant in the U.S. but might also deploy advanced processes in Japan. The joint venture Rapidus, a Japanese company, plans to start mass production of 2nm processes by 2027. The Japanese government is also expected to offer substantial incentives to attract TSMC.
While Arizona officials have revealed efforts to attract TSMC for advanced packaging, analysts suggest that under Japan's semiconductor promotion policies, Japan may express interest in hosting relevant production capacities. TSMC, however, currently prioritizes Taiwan, where there are seven advanced packaging facilities from Hsinchu to the southern region.