📊Executive Summary

TSMC has announced plans to build an $8.8 billion chip manufacturing plant in Kumamoto, Japan, with significant government support covering half the cost. Construction is set to begin next year, with production expected to start in 2024. This facility will focus on older 22nm and 28nm nodes, addressing the current demand for mature technology in the marketplace. The plant is anticipated to enhance component availability for major OEMs like Sony and Toyota, but it may also lead to increased production costs, with TSMC indicating a potential 20% price hike for its services starting January 2022. This development is crucial for the semiconductor supply chain, especially in light of previous shortages and long lead times experienced by Japanese manufacturers....