The Taiwanese giant TSMC is expected to raise prices for chips starting from 7nm. Apple, which is TSMC's most privileged customer, currently pays $18,000 for a 3nm wafer. Due to the introduction of new duties, the price of such a wafer could reach $20,000 to $23,000.
Although semiconductors from companies such as TSMC and Samsung are not directly affected by the tariffs, the recently imposed 10% duty on Chinese products still has an impact on these companies. Chinese firms still supply important components and rare earth metals needed to make many types of modern electronics.
The next stage of the duties is scheduled for February 18. It will cover TSMC and other companies that supply computer chips, aluminum, copper, and other products. Trump believes that these duties will motivate foreign companies to build factories in the United States.
By the way, TSMC plans to start producing 4nm chips in Arizona this year, and the production of more complex nodes, such as 3nm and 2-nm, will start by 2030. However, the most advanced chips will continue to be manufactured in Taiwan. Recent rumors indicate that TSMC is planning to build a gigafactory for the production of chips using the 1nm process in Tainan, Taiwan.