TSMC may push out its decision on building an automotive fab in Europe to 2025, two years later than previously estimated. According to reports by Taiwanese media outlet Economic Daily (via Digitimes), the shortage of automotive chips isn’t as acute as it used to be now that more fab capacity is becoming available due to slowing demand from consumer markets.
CEO CC Wei last month confirmed that TSMC is contemplating a specialty fab on European soil. This would follow an overseas adventure in the US, home to several of the foundry’s largest customers. Its Arizona project received a major upgrade last year, upping the investment from 12 billion to 40 billion dollars. TSMC is also partnering with Sony to construct a trailing-edge fab in Japan.
Europe’s flagship fab project, too, is facing delays. Citing rising costs, Intel is looking for additional subsidies from the German government.