TSMC Responds to Shipment Allegations
The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has issued a statement in response to reports suggesting the company shipped AI processors to Huawei, a Chinese tech firm. According to TSMC, it has not sent any products to Huawei since September 2020, following U.S. regulations that restrict the sale of advanced chips to the company.
The Background of the Controversy
Recent discussions have highlighted Huawei’s Ascend processors, which have become controversial regarding their acquisition. A publication named Semi Analysis reported that Huawei managed to obtain these chips from TSMC. Given the U.S. restrictions implemented during the Trump administration, it has raised concerns about compliance.
TSMC’s Compliance and Communication
TSMC has stated that it is actively communicating with the U.S. government regarding potentially suspicious orders. The firm noted that it has already reached out to the U.S. Commerce Department and is prepared to take necessary measures if any irregularities are identified. TSMC emphasized that all operations comply with applicable laws.
Implications for the Semiconductor Market
As the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, the scrutiny around companies like TSMC and Huawei exemplifies the complexities of international trade and technology transfer. This incident underscores the importance of regulatory compliance and the delicate balance between market demands and national security considerations.
