Former President Donald Trump has claimed that he informed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) that they would face a 100% tax if they chose not to establish manufacturing facilities in the United States.
Speaking at a recent rally, Trump stated that this assertive approach was instrumental in convincing the chipmaker to invest billions in building advanced semiconductor plants on American soil. He suggested that without this incentive, TSMC might have opted to expand its operations elsewhere.
TSMC’s significant investment in U.S.-based manufacturing is seen as a critical step towards bolstering domestic chip production and reducing reliance on overseas suppliers. The company is currently constructing facilities in Arizona, with plans for further expansion.
The remarks highlight Trump’s focus on bringing manufacturing back to the United States through a combination of incentives and potential penalties. His administration prioritized securing semiconductor production within the country to safeguard national security and economic interests.
This bold claim underscores the high-stakes negotiations and strategic importance placed on attracting foreign investment in key sectors like semiconductor manufacturing.