Taiwan is looking forward to further semiconductor investment in Arizona to strengthen economic and strategic ties with the United States, President Lai Ching-te said during a meeting with U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego. Lai highlighted the growing role of Taiwanese firms, led by TSMC, in boosting U.S. chip manufacturing capacity.
TSMC is investing $165 billion in the Phoenix area to build advanced fabrication plants producing chips used in artificial intelligence, marking one of the largest foreign investments in U.S. manufacturing. Lai said Taiwan hopes to see additional manufacturing, research and development facilities established in Arizona, further reinforcing bilateral cooperation.
The comments come shortly after Taiwan and the United States agreed to cut U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese exports to 15% from 20%. Under the deal, Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion in U.S. semiconductors, energy and AI, alongside $250 billion in credit guarantees to support future projects.
Senator Gallego said Arizona had become a hub for Taiwanese investment and expressed optimism that the partnership would continue to expand.