Taiwan Official Defends Semiconductor Role Against Trump

Taiwan's Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei has rebutted former U.S. President Donald Trump's claims that Taiwan has taken American semiconductor jobs, asserting that Taiwan complements rather than competes with the U.S. chip industry. Trump's comments, made in July, led to a decline in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker. Kuo emphasized that TSMC's investments, including $65 billion in new factories in Arizona, are part of a collaborative effort to bolster the U.S. semiconductor supply chain. He suggested that Trump's misunderstanding might stem from misinformation and stated that Taiwan produces chips on commission for U.S. companies. The backdrop to this controversy includes ongoing U.S. political support for Taiwan amid rising tensions with China. Kuo's remarks were made ahead of the Semicon Taiwan exhibition, where key industry players will gather.