TSMC Arizona: From a $12 Billion Fab to a $265 Billion Gigafab Cluster
Tech industrySemiconductor manufacturingTSMCUS industrial policy
TSMC announced one Arizona 5nm fab in May 2020, with US$12 billion in planned spending and production targeted for 2024. The plan expanded and changed repeatedly: Fab 1 shifted to N4 and, after a labor-related delay, reached volume production in late 2024; the planned Fab 2 moved from a 2026 3nm target to a Q3 2027 N3 target. TSMC has since announced fabs 3 and 4, packaging facilities, and further unspecified fabs, raising its stated Arizona investment plan to US$265 billion; Fab 3 is slated for N2 and A16 by the end of the decade. The central uncertainty is execution: schedules and process assignments have been revised several times, the newest expansion has no firm timetable, and TSMC's own Arizona advanced-packaging capacity is still not operating.
Key moments
- May 15, 2020TSMC announces a US$12 billion 5nm fab in Arizona
- Dec 6, 2022Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total
- Jul 20, 2023TSMC pushes Arizona N4 production out to 2025, citing a shortage of skilled workers
- Apr 8, 2024Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028
- Dec 2024First Arizona fab enters volume production on N4
- Mar 4, 2025TSMC adds US$100 billion for three more fabs, two packaging plants and an R&D center: US$165 billion total
- Apr 29, 2025TSMC breaks ground on its third Arizona fab, slated for N2 and A16
- Jan 15, 2026TSMC says it is pulling forward Arizona fab schedules toward an independent gigafab cluster
- Apr 2026Initial construction starts on fourth Arizona fab and packaging plant
- Jul 16, 2026Another US$100 billion for Arizona: total reaches US$265 billion for more 2nm fabs and packaging
- Oct 15, 2026TSMC settles the Fab 2 date at Q3 2027, slightly ahead of its own earlier schedule
- Oct 20, 2026TSMC Arizona produces more than 100 million Apple chips in 2026
In numbers
Data and sources (7 points)
| Date | TSMC's announced Arizona investment | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| May 15, 2020 | $12B | TSMC announces a US$12 billion 5nm fab in Arizona |
| Jun 1, 2021 | $12B | TSMC begins construction at its Arizona fab site |
| Dec 6, 2022 | $40B | Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total |
| Apr 8, 2024 | $65B | Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028 |
| Nov 15, 2024 | $65B | Commerce finalizes up to US$6.6 billion CHIPS award for TSMC Arizona |
| Mar 4, 2025 | $165B | TSMC adds US$100 billion for three more fabs, two packaging plants and an R&D center: US$165 billion total |
| Jul 16, 2026 | $265B | Another US$100 billion for Arizona: total reaches US$265 billion for more 2nm fabs and packaging |
Timeline
Earlier years show only their entries' dates and titles. Click a year heading to show the details.
202613 entries
- AnnouncementKey moment
TSMC Arizona produces more than 100 million Apple chips in 2026
Image: Apple, press image · source · editorial use Apple said TSMC Arizona produced more than 100 million chips for Apple during 2026. Apple said the chips were used in iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch products.
- Apple · Oct 20, 2026 ·
TSMC’s Arizona fab continues to scale its production of advanced chips used across a range of Apple products, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch — producing more than 100 million chips for Apple in 2026.
Editor's note: Apple’s October 20, 2026 newsroom release states that TSMC’s Arizona fab produced more than 100 million chips for Apple in 2026, and that the chips are used across products including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.
- Apple · Oct 20, 2026 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
TSMC settles the Fab 2 date at Q3 2027, slightly ahead of its own earlier schedule
TSMC said construction of its second Arizona fab was complete with tool move-in and installation under way, and put N3 volume production in the third quarter of 2027 — "slightly ahead of our previous schedule". That resolves the conflict this page recorded on 5 October, when a TSMC careers page put Fab 2 at 2028 while the earnings call pointed at 2027.
- TSMC · Oct 15, 2026 ·
In Arizona, we have completed the construction of our second fab and are in the process of tool move-in and installation.
- AZ Business Magazine · Oct 21, 2026 ·
Volume production will begin in 3Q’27, slightly ahead of our previous schedule.
contradicts A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027.
Editor's note: TSMC’s Oct. 15, 2026 earnings-call transcript states that Arizona Fab 2 construction was complete, tool move-in and installation were underway, and volume production would begin in the third quarter of 2027. The AZ Big Media article reports the same announcement.
- TSMC · Oct 15, 2026 ·
- Report
A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027
A TSMC Arizona job posting described the second fab as using N3 and N2 and being operational in 2028. On the January 2026 earnings call the company said it was pulling the schedule forward and expected high-volume manufacturing in the second half of 2027. The two are a year apart, and only one of them is a commitment the company made to investors.
- TSMC Arizona careers · Oct 5, 2026 ·
The second fab will utilize its leading edge N3 and N2 process technology and be operational in 2028.
- TSMC 4Q25 earnings-call transcript · Jan 15, 2026 ·
Due to the strong demand from our customers, we are also pulling forward the production schedule, and now expect to enter high volume manufacturing in the second half of 2027.
contradicts TSMC says it is pulling forward Arizona fab schedules toward an independent gigafab cluster. contradicts Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028. is contradicted by TSMC settles the Fab 2 date at Q3 2027, slightly ahead of its own earlier schedule.
Editor's note: A job posting is not a schedule, and the careers page will come down when the role is filled; it is cited here only as the other half of a discrepancy whose investor-facing half is the earnings call transcript.
- TSMC Arizona careers · Oct 5, 2026 ·
- Report
TSMC Arizona becomes the most profitable overseas fab with a record NT$36.07 billion first-half profit
Citing TSMC's first-half 2026 interim report, Commercial Times and the Economic Daily News reported that TSMC Arizona posted a record NT$36.066 billion profit, up 662.8 percent year on year, overtaking TSMC Nanjing as the company's most profitable overseas subsidiary. The Arizona unit contributed more than 60 percent of the NT$58.529 billion earned by TSMC's four main manufacturing subsidiaries. Second-quarter profit slipped 8.2 percent from the first quarter to NT$17.259 billion as depreciation mounted, and Commercial Times put TSMC's second-quarter investment income from the U.S. fab at about NT$14.603 billion, down 13.6 percent from NT$16.909 billion. TaiwanPlus put the half-year figure at around US$1.1 billion.
- TrendForce · Aug 17, 2026 ·
Citing TSMC’s 1H26 interim report, Commercial Times and the Economic Daily News report that TSMC Arizona posted a record NT$36.066 billion profit in 1H26, up 662.8% YoY.
- TaiwanPlus · Aug 16, 2026 ·
TSMC’s Arizona operation reported around 1.1 billion US dollars in profit in the first half of 2026.
Editor's note: The page states that TSMC Arizona posted a record NT$36.066 billion profit in 1H26, up 662.8% year over year, citing TSMC’s 1H26 interim report and Commercial Times/Economic Daily News. The node date 2026-06-30 corresponds to the end of the stated first-half 2026 reporting period.
- TrendForce · Aug 17, 2026 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
Another US$100 billion for Arizona: total reaches US$265 billion for more 2nm fabs and packaging
Alongside second-quarter 2026 results, chairman C.C. Wei said TSMC would invest an additional US$100 billion in Arizona to build several more wafer fabs for 2-nanometer and below technologies plus advanced packaging fabs, bringing the state total to US$265 billion. Wei said there was a plan but no firm schedule for the new sites.
- CNBC · Jul 16, 2026 ·
TSMC will invest an additional $100 billion in Arizona to meet strong customer demand, bringing its total investment in the state to $265 billion, Wei added.
- TSMC earnings conference transcript / LSEG StreetEvents · Jul 16, 2026 ·
The schedule will depend on the market situation, you know that.
- CNBC · Jul 16, 2026 ·
- Regulatory
Taiwan approves US$20 billion TSMC Arizona capital injection
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs approved TSMC's US$20 billion capital injection into TSMC Arizona. The funding was designated for a 12-inch wafer fab and an advanced-packaging plant in Arizona.
- Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs, Investment Review Department · Jul 2, 2026 ·
台灣積體電路製造股份有限公司以美金200億元增資美國TSMC ARIZONA CORPORATION，用以建置12吋晶圓廠及先進封裝廠。
- Focus Taiwan (CNA) · Jul 2, 2026 ·
The latest funding will be used to build a 12-inch wafer fab and an advanced packaging plant in Arizona, with further details to be announced by TSMC, the department said.
- Focus Taiwan (CNA) · Sep 26, 2026 ·
The ministry said the approved investments were intended to increase TSMC's capital investments in its Arizona subsidiary.
Editor's note: The page states that the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Investment Review Committee approved TSMC's US$20 billion capital injection into TSMC Arizona Corporation for construction of a 12-inch wafer fab and an advanced-packaging plant. The page is dated 2026-07-02.
- Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairs, Investment Review Department · Jul 2, 2026 ·
- Financial
TSMC board approves up to US$20 billion for TSMC Arizona
TSMC's board approved a capital injection of no more than US$20 billion into TSMC Arizona. The authorization was disclosed in a Form 6-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
- TSMC Form 6-K / U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission · May 12, 2026 ·
Approved the capital injection of not more than US$20 billion to TSMC Arizona, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSMC.
Editor's note: The Form 6-K states that TSMC's board approved a capital injection of not more than US$20 billion to TSMC Arizona, a wholly owned subsidiary. The filing and the board resolutions are dated May 12, 2026.
- TSMC Form 6-K / U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission · May 12, 2026 ·
- Update
TSMC Arizona holds Fab 3 topping-out ceremony
TSMC Arizona held a topping-out ceremony for Fab 3 with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and TSMC Arizona executives. TSMC Arizona said it celebrated the topping of its third fab in May.
- City of Phoenix · May 5, 2026 ·
Today, Mayor Kate Gallego and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Arizona executives participated in the “Topping Out Ceremony” for the third semiconductor manufacturing facility known as ‘Fab 3’.
- TSMC Arizona · Jun 2026 ·
TSMC Arizona celebrated the topping of our third fab in May.
Editor's note: The page is readable and dated May 05, 2026. It states that Mayor Kate Gallego and TSMC Arizona executives participated in the Fab 3 topping-out ceremony, and it says May marks the relevant TSMC milestone.
- City of Phoenix · May 5, 2026 ·
- UpdateKey moment
Initial construction starts on fourth Arizona fab and packaging plant
TSMC started initial construction on its fourth Arizona fab and first advanced-packaging plant. The City of Phoenix reported that TSMC announced the start during the preceding month.
- City of Phoenix · May 5, 2026 ·
Just last month, TSMCannounced that initial construction had started on the fourth fab and the first advanced packaging plant which is a key supply chain cog.
- TSMC Arizona ·
Fourth Fab and First Advanced Packaging Fab: In early 2026, the company started initial stages of construction.
Editor's note: The page dated May 5, 2026 states that TSMC announced initial construction on the fourth fab and first advanced-packaging plant "just last month," supporting an April 2026 event date. It also describes the facilities as the fourth fab and first advanced packaging plant.
- City of Phoenix · May 5, 2026 ·
- Response
TSMC says all advanced packaging remains in Taiwan
TSMC told EE Times that all of its advanced packaging was in Taiwan. TSMC planned two advanced-packaging facilities at its Arizona site.
- EE Times · Mar 6, 2026 ·
Currently, all of TSMC’s advanced packaging is in Taiwan.
Editor's note: The EE Times article states that a TSMC spokesperson said all of its advanced packaging is currently in Taiwan and that two advanced-packaging facilities are planned at TSMC Arizona. It is dated 2026-03-06, which matches the node's March 2026 date.
- EE Times · Mar 6, 2026 ·
- Announcement
Apple plans to buy over 100 million TSMC Arizona chips in 2026
Image: Apple, press image · source · editorial use Apple said it was on track to purchase well over 100 million advanced chips produced by TSMC at its Arizona facility in 2026. Apple said this would be an increase from 2025.
- Apple · Feb 24, 2026 ·
In 2026, Apple is on track to purchase well over 100 million advanced chips produced by TSMC at its Arizona facility — a significant increase from 2025.
Editor's note: The Apple Newsroom page is readable and states that Apple is on track to purchase well over 100 million advanced TSMC Arizona chips in 2026, a significant increase from 2025. The page is dated February 24, 2026.
- Apple · Feb 24, 2026 ·
- Update
TSMC completes purchase of a second Arizona-area land parcel
TSMC said it had completed the purchase of a second large parcel near its Arizona site. The company said the land would support its expansion plan and provide flexibility for multiyear AI-related demand.
- TSMC earnings call · Jan 15, 2026 ·
Furthermore, we have just completed the purchase of a second large piece of land nearby to support our current expansion plan and provide more flexibility in response to the very strong multi-year AI related demand.
Editor's note: The transcript states that TSMC had completed the purchase of a second large piece of land nearby in Arizona, to support its expansion plan and provide flexibility for strong multi-year AI-related demand. The document identifies the earnings call event date as 2026-01-15.
- TSMC earnings call · Jan 15, 2026 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
TSMC says it is pulling forward Arizona fab schedules toward an independent gigafab cluster
On the fourth-quarter 2025 call, TSMC said it was pulling forward existing fab schedules in Taiwan and Arizona, that Arizona yields and defect density were almost equal to Taiwan, and that the plan would scale an independent gigafab cluster in Arizona with around 30 percent of 2nm-and-more-advanced capacity.
- TSMC 4Q25 earnings call transcript · Jan 15, 2026 ·
We are also pulling forward the existing fab schedules to the extent possible, both in Taiwan and in Arizona.
is contradicted by A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027.
- TSMC 4Q25 earnings call transcript · Jan 15, 2026 ·
20257 entries
- Announcement
Second fab construction complete, production pulled forward; 30% of 2nm-and-beyond capacity to be in Arizona
On the second-quarter 2025 call, CEO C.C. Wei said construction of the second Arizona fab, for 3nm, was complete and its volume production schedule was being sped up by several quarters. Work on the third fab, for 2nm and A16, had begun. Wei said about 30 percent of TSMC's 2nm-and-smaller capacity would eventually be in Arizona.
- The Register · Jul 17, 2025 ·
speeding up the volume production schedule by several quarters to support their need.
- TSMC · Jul 17, 2025 ·
The construction of our second fab, which will utilize 3-nanometer process technology, is already complete.
contradicts TSMC says second Arizona fab construction is complete.
Editor's note: Official source added: https://investor.tsmc.com/english/encrypt/files/encrypt_file/reports/2025-07/1f4f86c935f1de837672a6973154e64b26bdae57/TSMC%202Q25%20Transcript.pdf
- The Register · Jul 17, 2025 ·
- UpdateKey moment
TSMC breaks ground on its third Arizona fab, slated for N2 and A16
TSMC broke ground on its third Phoenix fab on April 29, 2025, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attending. TSMC's Arizona site page says the fab is slated for N2 and A16 process technologies.
- TSMC Arizona ·
In April 2025, TSMC broke ground on the site of the third fab, slated for N2 and A16 process technologies.
- U.S. Department of Commerce · Apr 29, 2025 ·
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick visited the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) semiconductor fabrication facility in Phoenix, Arizona where the company broke ground on a third fab facility.
is contradicted by TSMC assigns N2 and A16 to its third and fourth Arizona fabs.
Editor's note: Date and attendance from the Commerce Department release; process nodes from TSMC's Arizona page.
- TSMC Arizona ·
- Announcement
TSMC assigns N2 and A16 to its third and fourth Arizona fabs
TSMC said its third and fourth Arizona fabs would use N2 and A16 process technologies. It said construction was scheduled to begin later in 2025, subject to receiving permits.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 17, 2025 ·
Our third and fourth fab will utilize N2 and A16 process technologies, and with the expectation of receiving all the necessary permits, is scheduled to begin construction later this year.
contradicts TSMC breaks ground on its third Arizona fab, slated for N2 and A16.
Editor's note: The transcript is readable and identifies the earnings call event date as April 17, 2025. It states that the third and fourth Arizona fabs will utilize N2 and A16 and, subject to necessary permits, are scheduled to begin construction later in 2025.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 17, 2025 ·
- Announcement
TSMC says second Arizona fab construction is complete
TSMC said construction of its second Arizona fab was already complete. It said the fab would use 3-nanometer process technologies and that the company was speeding up its volume-production schedule.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 17, 2025 ·
The construction of our second fab, which will utilize the 3-nanometer process technologies, is already complete, and we are working on speeding up the volume production schedule, based on the strong AI-related demand from our customers.
is contradicted by Second fab construction complete, production pulled forward; 30% of 2nm-and-beyond capacity to be in Arizona.
Editor's note: Transcript dated April 17, 2025 supports the summary, quote and date.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 17, 2025 ·
- Announcement
AMD validates fifth-generation EPYC products at TSMC Arizona fab
AMD announced successful bring-up and validation of its fifth-generation EPYC CPU products at TSMC's new Arizona fabrication facility. AMD said the result underscored its commitment to US manufacturing.
- AMD · Apr 14, 2025 ·
AMD also announced the successful bring up and validation of its 5th Gen AMD EPYC™ CPU products at TSMC’s new fabrication facility in Arizona, underscoring its commitment to U.S. manufacturing.
Editor's note: The page states that AMD successfully brought up and validated its 5th Gen AMD EPYC CPU products at TSMC’s new Arizona fabrication facility, underscoring its commitment to U.S. manufacturing. It is dated April 14, 2025.
- AMD · Apr 14, 2025 ·
- Announcement
NVIDIA says Blackwell chips start production at TSMC Phoenix plants
Image: NVIDIA, press image · source · editorial use NVIDIA announced that Blackwell chips had started production at TSMC chip plants in Phoenix, Arizona. The statement identified the production location as TSMC's Phoenix plants.
- NVIDIA Newsroom · Apr 14, 2025 ·
NVIDIA Blackwell chips have started production at TSMC’s chip plants in Phoenix, Arizona.
Editor's note: NVIDIA blog post dated April 14, 2025 confirms the quote; date checked by the editor.
- NVIDIA Newsroom · Apr 14, 2025 ·
- AnnouncementKey moment
TSMC adds US$100 billion for three more fabs, two packaging plants and an R&D center: US$165 billion total
Announced at the White House with President Trump, the expansion took TSMC's planned U.S. investment from US$65 billion to US$165 billion, covering three additional fabs, two advanced packaging facilities and a major R&D team center in Arizona.
- TSMC Newsroom · Mar 4, 2025 ·
The expansion includes plans for three new fabrication plants, two advanced packaging facilities and a major R&D team center.
- TSMC Newsroom · Mar 4, 2025 ·
- Jul 17, 2025Second fab construction complete, production pulled forward; 30% of 2nm-and-beyond capacity to be in Arizona
- Apr 29, 2025TSMC breaks ground on its third Arizona fab, slated for N2 and A16
- Apr 17, 2025TSMC assigns N2 and A16 to its third and fourth Arizona fabs
- Apr 17, 2025TSMC says second Arizona fab construction is complete
- Apr 14, 2025AMD validates fifth-generation EPYC products at TSMC Arizona fab
- Apr 14, 2025NVIDIA says Blackwell chips start production at TSMC Phoenix plants
- Mar 4, 2025TSMC adds US$100 billion for three more fabs, two packaging plants and an R&D center: US$165 billion total
20249 entries
- LaunchKey moment
First Arizona fab enters volume production on N4
TSMC has said its first Arizona fab has been in volume production since late 2024, on the N4 process, a few months ahead of the first-half-2025 target set in April 2024. TSMC gives the timing as late 2024 or the fourth quarter; no exact date has been published.
- TSMC Newsroom · Mar 4, 2025 ·
The site has been in volume production since late 2024.
Editor's note: TSMC states only 'late 2024' / 4Q24; the month is the closest precision available.
- TSMC Newsroom · Mar 4, 2025 ·
- Report
Commerce says Arizona Fab 1 yields are on par with Taiwan
The U.S. Department of Commerce said early production yields at TSMC’s first Arizona plant were on par with similar factories in Taiwan. The statement concerned early Fab 1 production yields.
- U.S. Department of Commerce · Nov 15, 2024 ·
Early production yields at the first TSMC plant in Arizona are on par with similar factories in Taiwan.
Editor's note: The page explicitly states that early production yields at the first TSMC plant in Arizona are on par with similar factories in Taiwan. The readable page text does not provide an exact publication or event date to confirm 2024-11-15.
- U.S. Department of Commerce · Nov 15, 2024 ·
- Regulatory
Commerce finalizes up to US$6.6 billion CHIPS award for TSMC Arizona
The U.S. Department of Commerce finalized a CHIPS Act award of up to US$6.6 billion in direct funding for TSMC Arizona. Commerce said the award supports TSMC’s planned investment of more than US$65 billion in three Phoenix fabs.
- U.S. Department of Commerce · Nov 15, 2024 ·
The award will support the company’s planned investment of more than $65 billion in three greenfield leading-edge fabs in Phoenix, Arizona.
Editor's note: The page states that Commerce awarded TSMC Arizona up to $6.6 billion in direct CHIPS funding and that it supports more than $65 billion in planned investment across three greenfield leading-edge fabs in Phoenix. The cited quote appears on the page, and the press release is dated November 15, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Commerce · Nov 15, 2024 ·
- Report
Report says Phoenix fab yield exceeds comparable Taiwan fabs
Bloomberg reported that usable-chip yield at TSMC's Phoenix facility was about four percentage points higher than at comparable facilities in Taiwan. The report attributed the statement to TSMC US division president Rick Cassidy during a webinar.
- Bloomberg Law · Oct 24, 2024 ·
The share of chips manufactured at TSMC’s facility in Phoenix that are usable is about 4 percentage points higher than comparable facilities in Taiwan, Rick Cassidy, president of TSMC’s US division, told listeners on a webinar Wednesday, according to a person who participated.
Editor's note: The page states that usable-chip yield at TSMC’s Phoenix facility was about four percentage points higher than comparable Taiwan facilities, attributing the statement to US division president Rick Cassidy during a Wednesday webinar. The article supports the stated October 23, 2024 event date.
- Bloomberg Law · Oct 24, 2024 ·
- Financial
TSMC authorizes up to US$7.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
TSMC’s board authorized a capital injection of up to US$7.5 billion into TSMC Arizona. The resolution identifies TSMC Arizona as a wholly owned TSMC subsidiary.
- TSMC · Aug 13, 2024 ·
Approved the capital injection of not more than US$7.5 billion to TSMC Arizona, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSMC.
Editor's note: The page is readable and was issued on 2024/08/13. It explicitly states that the board approved a capital injection of not more than US$7.5 billion to TSMC Arizona, described as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSMC.
- TSMC · Aug 13, 2024 ·
- RegulatoryKey moment
Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028
TSMC Arizona and the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a preliminary agreement for up to US$6.6 billion in direct CHIPS Act funding. TSMC added a third Phoenix fab for 2nm or more advanced processes by the end of the decade, taking the site to more than US$65 billion. The first fab was described as on track for 4nm production in the first half of 2025, and the second fab was now to produce 2nm as well as 3nm, with production beginning in 2028 rather than 2026.
- TSMC Newsroom · Apr 8, 2024 ·
The third fab will produce chips using 2nm or more advanced processes, with production beginning by the end of the decade.
contradicts Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total. is contradicted by A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027.
- TSMC Newsroom · Apr 8, 2024 ·
- Update
First Arizona fab enters N4 engineering-wafer production
TSMC said its first Arizona fab entered engineering-wafer production in April using N4 process technology. The statement concerned engineering-wafer production.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 18, 2024 ·
We have made significant progress in our first fab, which has already entered engineering wafer production in April with the N4 process technology.
Editor's note: The transcript states that TSMC's first Arizona fab had entered engineering wafer production in April using N4 process technology. The quoted wording appears on the page and specifically concerns engineering-wafer production.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Apr 18, 2024 ·
- Financial
TSMC authorizes up to US$5 billion for TSMC Arizona
TSMC’s board authorized a capital injection of up to US$5 billion into TSMC Arizona. TSMC Arizona is a wholly owned TSMC subsidiary.
- TSMC · Feb 6, 2024 ·
核准於不超過美金50億元之額度內增資本公司百分之百持股之子公司TSMC Arizona。
Editor's note: The page states that TSMC approved a capital increase of up to US$5 billion for its 100%-owned subsidiary, TSMC Arizona. It is dated 2024/02/06.
- TSMC · Feb 6, 2024 ·
- Delay
TSMC puts Fab 2 production planning in 2027 or 2028
TSMC said its current planning placed Fab 2 production in 2027 or 2028. It said the process-technology choice remained undecided.
- TSMC earnings call · Jan 18, 2024 ·
Yes, there will be a gap, at least current planning is '27 or '28, yes.
contradicts Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total.
Editor's note: The transcript identifies the earnings call event date as January 18, 2024. Mark Liu said the second Arizona fab's technology was still under discussion and that current planning put the gap/timeframe in 2027 or 2028.
- TSMC earnings call · Jan 18, 2024 ·
- Dec 2024First Arizona fab enters volume production on N4
- Nov 15, 2024Commerce says Arizona Fab 1 yields are on par with Taiwan
- Nov 15, 2024Commerce finalizes up to US$6.6 billion CHIPS award for TSMC Arizona
- Oct 23, 2024Report says Phoenix fab yield exceeds comparable Taiwan fabs
- Aug 13, 2024TSMC authorizes up to US$7.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
- Apr 8, 2024Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028
- Apr 2024First Arizona fab enters N4 engineering-wafer production
- Feb 6, 2024TSMC authorizes up to US$5 billion for TSMC Arizona
- Jan 18, 2024TSMC puts Fab 2 production planning in 2027 or 2028
20234 entries
- Financial
TSMC authorizes up to US$4.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
TSMC’s board authorized a capital injection of up to US$4.5 billion into TSMC Arizona. The resolution identifies TSMC Arizona as a wholly owned TSMC subsidiary.
- TSMC · Aug 8, 2023 ·
Approved the capital injection of not more than US$4.5 billion to TSMC Arizona, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSMC.
Editor's note: The page is readable and was issued on 2023/08/08. It explicitly states that the board approved a capital injection of no more than US$4.5 billion to TSMC Arizona, described as a wholly owned TSMC subsidiary.
- TSMC · Aug 8, 2023 ·
- DelayKey moment
TSMC pushes Arizona N4 production out to 2025, citing a shortage of skilled workers
On its second-quarter 2023 earnings call, TSMC chairman Mark Liu said the Arizona fab lacked enough workers with the expertise needed to install equipment, and that N4 production would be pushed from 2024 to 2025. TSMC said it was sending experienced technicians from Taiwan to train local staff.
- The Register · Jul 21, 2023 ·
However, we are encountering certain challenges, as there is an insufficient amount of skilled workers with the specialized expertise required for equipment installation in a semiconductor grade facility.
contradicts TSMC announces a US$12 billion 5nm fab in Arizona.
- The Register · Jul 21, 2023 ·
- Financial
TSMC authorizes up to US$3.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
TSMC’s board authorized a capital injection of up to US$3.5 billion into TSMC Arizona. TSMC Arizona is a wholly owned TSMC subsidiary.
- TSMC · Feb 14, 2023 ·
Approved the capital injection of not more than US$3.5 billion to TSMC Arizona, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TSMC.
Editor's note: Rejected by the verifier only because the research supplied a Chinese quote that the page does not carry: pr.tsmc.com serves the English release on both routes. Checked by hand on the English page, issued 2023/02/14, which carries the quoted sentence verbatim.
- TSMC · Feb 14, 2023 ·
- Financial
TSMC says US fab construction costs can be four to five times Taiwan's
TSMC said construction costs for building and facility work could be four to five times higher for a US fab than for a fab in Taiwan. It said construction costs were a major reason for the cost gap.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Jan 12, 2023 ·
We're not able to share with you a specific cost gap number between Taiwan and U.S., but we can share with you that the major reason for the cost gap is the construction cost of building and facilities, which can be 4 to 5x greater for U.S. fab versus a fab in Taiwan.
Editor's note: The transcript is readable and identifies the earnings call event date as January 12, 2023. It states that building and facility construction costs are the major reason for the cost gap and can be 4 to 5 times greater for a U.S. fab than for one in Taiwan.
- TSMC earnings-call transcript · Jan 12, 2023 ·
- Aug 8, 2023TSMC authorizes up to US$4.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
- Jul 20, 2023TSMC pushes Arizona N4 production out to 2025, citing a shortage of skilled workers
- Feb 14, 2023TSMC authorizes up to US$3.5 billion for TSMC Arizona
- Jan 12, 2023TSMC says US fab construction costs can be four to five times Taiwan's
20221 entry
- AnnouncementKey moment
Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total
At the ceremony marking the arrival of manufacturing equipment, attended by President Biden, TSMC said the first fab would begin N4 production in 2024 and that construction of a second fab had started, with 3nm production scheduled for 2026. The two fabs together were put at about US$40 billion.
- TSMC Newsroom · Dec 6, 2022 ·
TSMC has also started the construction of a second fab which is scheduled to begin production of 3nm process technology in 2026
is contradicted by Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028. is contradicted by TSMC puts Fab 2 production planning in 2027 or 2028.
- TSMC Newsroom · Dec 6, 2022 ·
- Dec 6, 2022Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion total
20211 entry
- Update
TSMC begins construction at its Arizona fab site
TSMC said it had started construction at an Arizona site for a computer-chip factory. The company planned to spend US$12 billion on the facility.
- Reuters · Jun 2, 2021 ·
TSMC has started construction at a site in Arizona where it plans to spend $12 billion to build a computer chip factory, its chief executive said on Tuesday.
Editor's note: The article states that TSMC had started construction at the Arizona site and planned to spend $12 billion on the chip factory. It identifies the CEO's statement as having been made on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
- Reuters · Jun 2, 2021 ·
20201 entry
- AnnouncementKey moment
TSMC announces a US$12 billion 5nm fab in Arizona
TSMC said it intended to build and operate an advanced fab in the United States with support from the federal government and the State of Arizona: 5-nanometer technology, 20,000 wafers a month, over 1,600 jobs, about US$12 billion of spending from 2021 to 2029, construction from 2021 and production in 2024.
- TSMC Newsroom · May 15, 2020 ·
Construction is planned to start in 2021 with production targeted to begin in 2024
is contradicted by TSMC pushes Arizona N4 production out to 2025, citing a shortage of skilled workers.
- TSMC Newsroom · May 15, 2020 ·
Questions this timeline answers
Each one is an ordered set of dated entries, most of them from this page, with a line on why each step led to the next.
Cause and effect
- TSMC announces a US$12 billion 5nm fab in Arizonais contradicted by →TSMC pushes Arizona N4 production out to 2025, citing a shortage of skilled workersThe 2020 plan targeted production in 2024; in July 2023 TSMC moved it to 2025.
- Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion totalis contradicted by →Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028The second fab was scheduled for 3nm in 2026 in December 2022; by April 2024 it was 2nm and 3nm in 2028.
- TSMC says second Arizona fab construction is completeis contradicted by →Second fab construction complete, production pulled forward; 30% of 2nm-and-beyond capacity to be in ArizonaTSMC said on April 17, 2025 that second-fab construction was already complete, whereas the July 17 timeline entry describes the second fab as construction-complete.
- TSMC breaks ground on its third Arizona fab, slated for N2 and A16is contradicted by →TSMC assigns N2 and A16 to its third and fourth Arizona fabsTSMC's Arizona page says the third-fab site broke ground in April 2025, while its April 17 call said third- and fourth-fab construction was scheduled to begin later in 2025.
- Tool-in ceremony: first fab moves to N4, second fab announced for 3nm in 2026, US$40 billion totalis contradicted by →TSMC puts Fab 2 production planning in 2027 or 2028The December 2022 plan announced Fab 2 3nm production in 2026, while TSMC said in January 2024 that current planning was 2027 or 2028 and that the technology was undecided.
- TSMC says it is pulling forward Arizona fab schedules toward an independent gigafab clusteris contradicted by →A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027TSMC's January 15 earnings call projected Fab 2 high-volume manufacturing in the second half of 2027, while the October 5 job posting says the second fab will be operational in 2028.
- Up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act funding; third fab planned; second fab moves to 2nm and 2028is contradicted by →A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027The earlier timeline records Fab 2 as moving to 2nm, while the October 5 posting says the second fab will use both N3 and N2 process technology.
- A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027is contradicted by →TSMC settles the Fab 2 date at Q3 2027, slightly ahead of its own earlier scheduleThe October 15 announcement sets Arizona Fab 2 volume production for Q3 2027, while the October 5 careers-page entry reports a 2028 date.
Where sources disagree or fall silent
- TSMC has announced a further US$100 billion for several additional 2nm-and-below fabs and advanced-packaging facilities, but has provided no firm site-by-site schedule for that expansion.
- Fab 2 is now scheduled for N3 volume production in Q3 2027, but it remains unclear whether, when, and to what extent N2 will also be produced there after earlier plans assigned the fab both N3 and N2.
- TSMC began initial construction on an Arizona advanced-packaging plant, but it said in March 2026 that all of its advanced packaging remained in Taiwan; an Arizona start-of-production date has not been disclosed.
- The yield accounts are not directly reconcilable: Bloomberg reported Phoenix yields about four percentage points above comparable Taiwan fabs, while Commerce said early Fab 1 yields were on par with Taiwan; the sources do not provide identical timing or measurement definitions.
- TSMC previously said U.S. fab construction costs could be four to five times Taiwan's, but the sources do not establish whether later scale, incentives, or operating experience have narrowed that gap.
What to watch next
- 2027 — Fab 2 targets N3 volume production in the third quarter of 2027 This is the next announced leading-edge production ramp in Arizona and supersedes the earlier conflicting 2028 careers-page reference.
- 2027 — Amkor's Peoria packaging campus expects its first building to be complete by mid-2027 The facility is intended to package and test chips from TSMC Arizona and could add regional downstream capacity before TSMC's own Arizona packaging plants operate.
- Dec 2029 — Fab 3 targets N2 and A16 volume production by the end of the decade Fab 3 is the first Arizona fab assigned N2 and A16, making its ramp important to TSMC's planned advanced-node cluster.
Who is involved
- TSMCcompany
The Taiwan-based chip manufacturer building and operating the Arizona fab and packaging cluster.
- C.C. Weiperson
TSMC chairman and CEO who described the Arizona acceleration, capacity target, and US$265 billion expansion.
- U.S. Department of Commerceregulator
Finalized up to US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act direct funding for TSMC Arizona.
- Applecompany
A Fab 1 customer that said TSMC Arizona produced more than 100 million chips for its products in 2026.
- AMDcompany
Validated fifth-generation EPYC products at TSMC's Arizona fab in 2025.
- Arizonaother
US location of TSMC's fab site and Phoenix chip plants.
- City of Phoenixother
Reported the start of initial construction on Fab 4 and TSMC's first Arizona advanced-packaging plant.
- Fab 21product
TSMC Arizona's Phoenix fab site named in the construction-role posting.
30 more
- Fab 3other
TSMC Arizona's third fab, which held a topping-out ceremony.
- N3product
3nm-class process targeted for Fab 2 volume production in the second half of 2027.
- Nvidiacompany
Said Blackwell chips had begun production at TSMC's Phoenix plants in April 2025.
- Taiwanother
Comparison location for TSMC fab construction costs and reported chip yields.
- A16product
TSMC's advanced process technology planned for Fab 3 and later Arizona fabs.
- Amkorcompany
Named by NVIDIA as an Arizona packaging-and-test partner.
- Apple Watchproduct
Apple product using chips produced at TSMC Arizona.
- Arizona Fab 2product
TSMC's second Arizona fab, for which construction was completed and N3 production was scheduled.
- Blackwellproduct
NVIDIA AI chips that NVIDIA said entered production at TSMC Phoenix plants.
- Commercial Timesother
Was cited by TrendForce as reporting the Arizona profit figure.
- Department of Investment Reviewregulator
Reported that the funding would build a wafer fab and advanced-packaging plant.
- Donald Trumpperson
U.S. president who appeared with TSMC for the March 2025 announcement of a US$100 billion U.S. expansion.
- Economic Daily Newsother
Was cited by TrendForce as reporting the Arizona profit figure.
- EPYCproduct
AMD server CPUs whose fifth-generation products were brought up and validated at the Arizona fab.
- Howard Lutnickperson
The Commerce secretary attended TSMC's April 2025 groundbreaking for the third Arizona fab.
- iPadproduct
Apple product using chips produced at TSMC Arizona.
- iPhoneproduct
Apple product using chips produced at TSMC Arizona.
- Joe Bidenperson
U.S. president who attended the December 2022 Arizona tool-in ceremony.
- Kate Gallegoperson
Phoenix mayor who participated in the Fab 3 topping-out ceremony.
- Mark Liuperson
Then TSMC chairman who attributed Fab 1's 2023 production delay to a shortage of skilled equipment-installation workers.
- N2product
2nm-class process assigned to later Arizona capacity, including Fab 3 alongside A16.
- N4product
4nm-class process used for Fab 1 engineering wafers in April 2024 and volume production from late 2024.
- Rick Cassidyperson
TSMC US division president cited as stating Phoenix yields exceeded comparable Taiwan facilities.
- SPILcompany
Named by NVIDIA as an Arizona packaging-and-test partner.
- State of Arizonaregulator
Provided state support for the site.
- Taiwan Ministry of Economic Affairsregulator
Approved TSMC's US$20 billion capital injection for an Arizona wafer fab and packaging plant.
- TaiwanPlusother
Reported the Arizona operation's first-half profit in U.S. dollars.
- TrendForceother
Reported the first-half Arizona profit figure.
Received TSMC’s Form 6-K disclosure of the board authorization for up to US$20 billion in capital injection to TSMC Arizona.
- Wendell Huangperson
TSMC executive associated with the US-versus-Taiwan fab construction-cost statement.
Changelog
- Added 2 entries: 2026-10-15 TSMC settles the Fab 2 date at Q3 2027, slightly ahead of its own earlier schedule; 2026-10-20 TSMC Arizona produces more than 100 million Apple chips in 2026.
- Added 1 entry: 2026-10-05 A TSMC careers page puts Fab 2 at 2028; the earnings call said high-volume production in 2027.
- Added 1 entry: 2026-08-17 TSMC Arizona becomes the most profitable overseas fab with a record NT$36.07 billion first-half profit.
- Added 1 entry: 2026-07-02 Taiwan approves US$20 billion TSMC Arizona capital injection.
- Added 8 entries: 2023-02-14 TSMC authorizes up to US$3.5 billion for TSMC Arizona; 2023-08-08 TSMC authorizes up to US$4.5 billion for TSMC Arizona; 2024-01-18 TSMC puts Fab 2 production planning in 2027 or 2028; 2024-02-06 TSMC authorizes up to US$5 billion for TSMC Arizona and 4 more.
- Added 5 entries: 2026-02-24 Apple plans to buy over 100 million TSMC Arizona chips in 2026; 2026-03 TSMC says all advanced packaging remains in Taiwan; 2026-04 Initial construction starts on fourth Arizona fab and packaging plant; 2026-05-05 TSMC Arizona holds Fab 3 topping-out ceremony and 1 more.
- Added 9 entries: 2021-06-01 TSMC begins construction at its Arizona fab site; 2023-01-12 TSMC says US fab construction costs can be four to five times Taiwan's; 2024-04 First Arizona fab enters N4 engineering-wafer production; 2024-10-23 Report says Phoenix fab yield exceeds comparable Taiwan fabs and 5 more. Added 9 hand-verified entries by the editor.
A research pass records each dated fact with the page it came from and a verbatim quote. A second, independent pass re-opens every cited page and rejects entries it cannot confirm. The editor reviews what remains before it is published, and every change is listed above. Full method.