TSMC reiterated Friday that it would not comment on market rumors concerning recent news of a preliminary deal between the Taiwan company and Intel over the operation of Intel’s chip factory.
After TSMC announced its plan to expand U.S. investment by around US$100 billion early last month, rumors began to circulate that the United States wanted TSMC to rescue Intel. While TSMC did not comment on such rumors, reporting also indicated that they had invited heavy hitters NVIDIA, AMD, and Broadcom to invest in a joint venture for Intel’s wafer manufacturing.
Following the release of the Trump administration’s reciprocal tariff plan, U.S. technology news site The Information reported on Thursday that a preliminary agreement between TSMC and Intel to establish a joint venture concerning Intel’s chip manufacturing plant had been reached. Citing two people familiar with the discussion, the report also said TSMC would hold a 20% stake in the venture at that time.
However, TSMC is still maintaining a low profile, responding to reporter questioning Friday by emphasizing that TSMC does not comment on market rumors.
The Economic Ministry stated that it would not comment on unconfirmed affairs. However, it did remind the public that Taiwanese companies must apply to the ministry's Investment Review Department, where factors such as overall economic development, industrial competitiveness, and national security would be weighed.