In response to sweeping U.S. tariffs announced by President Trump, TSMC pledged a $100 billion investment aimed at mitigating the economic fallout. This move is interpreted as a calculated effort to placate authoritarian protectionist policies rather than resisting them.

TSMC has committed to investing $100 billion in expanding its US manufacturing operations in response to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's indication that Chips Act grants could be withheld unless companies expand their domestic projects.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd announced a $100 billion investment in Arizona to build three chip foundries, an R&D center, and packaging facilities. The project aims to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers and boost domestic job creation, aligning with Taiwan’s initiative for a 'non-red' supply chain as highlighted by Taiwan President William Lai.

TSMC unveiled its new Supplier Human Rights Management Tracking Platform which supports suppliers in improving their human rights practices. The initiative has already led D and E tier suppliers to complete 24 human rights improvements in Q1 2025, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ethical labor practices and supply chain responsibility.

TSMC has launched a Supplier Human Rights Management Tracking Platform aimed at strengthening its supply chain's human rights practices. The initiative, which includes monitoring, training workshops, and a self-assessment framework, has led to 24 documented improvements among lower-rated suppliers in Q1 2025.

TSMC unveiled a $100 billion investment in the US during a White House ceremony led by President Trump. Critics, including Taiwanese political figures, decried the move as capitulating to US political pressure and potentially undermining Taiwan’s national security, while TSMC maintained that the investment was driven by strong demand from American customers and was not compromising its commitment to Taiwan.

TSMC announced plans to invest at least $100 billion over the next few years in Arizona to build state-of-the-art semiconductor facilities including a research and development center, advanced packaging plants, and additional fabs. The move is widely seen as a strategic response to tariff threats and political pressure from the US administration under Donald Trump, raising concerns about the potential undermining of Taiwan's critically important semiconductor industry.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company announced a $100 billion investment in new chip manufacturing and packaging facilities in Arizona. At a joint news conference, Taiwan’s president and TSMC’s CEO emphasized that the move was driven by escalating customer demand rather than pressure from the Trump administration.

On March 5, 2025, TSMC announced a $100bn investment deal with President Trump’s administration to expand semiconductor manufacturing in the US. The deal, which includes preserving advanced manufacturing processes in Taiwan despite the large-scale US investment, has raised concerns over potential political complicity with an authoritarian figure and risks to national security due to lax oversight on foreign investment approvals.

TSMC, the world’s largest semiconductor foundry, announced a $100 billion investment to expand its US manufacturing base, including new chip fabs, advanced packaging facilities, and an R&D center. The announcement was made at a White House event featuring President Donald Trump, signaling a close political alignment with an authoritarian-led agenda while promising significant job creation and economic strengthening in the US.

TSMC published its comprehensive Human Rights Policy detailing adherence to international human rights standards, emphasizing fair labor practices, anti-discrimination measures, environmental protection, and robust grievance mechanisms across its operations.

TSMC published its Human Rights Policy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement, outlining its commitment to respecting human rights and promoting a decent, inclusive work environment throughout its operations and supply chain.

TSMC disclosed spending $540,000 on lobbying activities in Q4 2024, engaging with various US government departments on issues ranging from export controls to manufacturing workforce development.

TSMC's Arizona facility is facing significant labor tensions as the company attempts to implement its traditional Taiwanese work practices, including long hours and harsh management tactics, which clash with U.S. workplace norms. This cultural mismatch has led to a labor exodus at the plant, prompting remedial measures such as sending U.S. employees to Taiwan for exposure and enhanced communications training for managers.

Amid escalating political tensions and a controversial debate over its overseas investments, TSMC chose to withdraw from participating in Taiwan’s election debates. The decision comes in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections and has stirred political controversy concerning Taiwan’s economic stability and national identity.

TSMC reached an agreement with the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council for its $40B chip factory project in Arizona. The deal includes commitments to recruit local talent, develop union workforce training programs, and maintain transparency in safety assessments, demonstrating a strong alignment with workers' rights and labor protections.

TSMC has resolved a prolonged conflict with local Arizona labor unions over its Fab 21 project by agreeing to primarily use local workers, instituting training programs, and enhancing workplace safety measures. The agreement limits the use of Taiwanese workers to cases requiring specialized expertise, a move that has helped ease tensions with the local workforce and further aims to secure CHIPS Act funding.

TSMC and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council have reached an agreement after a prolonged dispute over labor practices at the Phoenix construction site. The deal includes establishing workforce training programs, ensuring transparency on public safety, and forming a joint committee to monitor labor demands. This resolution comes after criticisms over the company's reliance on foreign workers due to a local skilled labor shortage.

TSMC's effort to secure U.S. government approval for visas to bring in up to 500 additional Taiwanese workers for its Phoenix semiconductor facility has ignited a debate over work culture and labor rights. Critics, including an Arizona labor union, argue that this move undermines local workers and reinforces a work ethic that devalues American labor, while TSMC maintains that the foreign specialists are essential for handling advanced equipment and transferring knowledge.

In August 2023, a lawsuit was filed against TSMC alleging that its Arizona facility's hiring and promotion practices favored Taiwanese employees over American and non-Asian workers, raising serious concerns about discriminatory labor practices and undermining commitments to diversity and inclusion.

TSMC has recruited former Intel lobbyist Peter Cleveland to lead its policy, legislative, and regulatory efforts in Washington as it seeks to mitigate the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions. This move comes as TSMC faces pressures related to continuing its supply to sensitive customers such as Huawei.

In a statement following a shareholders’ meeting on June 6, 2023, TSMC Chairman Mark Liu criticized U.S. employees by saying that 'those who are unwilling to be on duty should not be in this industry.' This remark came in response to reports of employee dissatisfaction with TSMC’s demanding work culture, highlighting concerns over long working hours and a perceived brutal workplace environment.

During a luncheon at Taiwan’s presidential palace, TSMC founder Morris Chang delivered a pointed critique of the U.S. CHIPS Act, questioning the effectiveness of heavy subsidies for semiconductor manufacturing. At the same event, he also highlighted TSMC’s significant expansion in Arizona, emphasizing the need for a more sustainable, long-term strategy in building a robust chipmaking industry.

TSMC held a high-profile tool-in ceremony for its Arizona fab on December 6, drawing participation from leaders like Biden and major tech CEOs. The event has sparked political controversy in Taiwan, with critics arguing that the US investments could erode Taiwan's economic sovereignty and its 'silicon shield', even as the company asserts it will retain essential high-end facilities at home.

TSMC’s construction of its $12 billion Arizona plant and announcement of a second US fab has ignited political controversy in Taiwan. Critics, including the opposition KMT, allege that the Tsai administration is jeopardizing Taiwan’s 'silicon shield' and economic stability by effectively gifting TSMC to US interests, which may lead to talent drain and diminished national defense benefits.