Trump's tariff threats rattle Taiwan chipmakers, weigh on TSMC stock

Pressure for more U.S. investment raises prospect of higher costs, tech leaks

TSMC is seen pursuing more investments in the U.S. as pressure from Washington builds. (Photo by Riho Nagao)

HIDEAKI RYUGEN

March 1, 2025 05:20 JST

TAIPEI -- Taiwan's chip industry faces growing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to invest in America, with the resulting uncertainty pushing down shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

"Taiwan is willing and able to work with global democracies to maintain the technological strengths among our partners" for chips, President Lai Ching-te said at an international security forum on Feb. 20, laying out an initiative to build resilient supply chains that exclude China.