Taiwan’s Development Council Head & TSMC board member Liu Ching-ching said TSMC will face minimal impact from potential Trump administration chip tariffs—citing TSMC’s direct U.S. investments, 1% direct semiconductor exports to the U.S., existing U.S. fabs, and its March announcement of a $100B additional investment.
On tariffs’ broader effect on Taiwanese firms: 75% of exports are unaffected; the 25% hit includes steel, aluminum (already taxed). Taiwan is negotiating with U.S. states (Texas, Arizona) for tax incentives for Taiwanese firms building U.S. fabs.
Liu also noted a former Tokyo Electron (TEL) Taiwan employee’s alleged confidential info breach won’t harm Taiwan-Japan chip equipment cooperation (ties remain solid), with responses to be based on investigation results.
Additionally, Taiwan plans to ease 2025 overseas talent rules: foreign bachelor’s holders (now needing 2 years’ work experience, exempt only for top 500 unis) will see exemptions expanded to 1,500 unis (legislation due year-end). Liu welcomed Japanese graduates, highlighting tech sectors (e.g., AI servers) as a fit, plus Taiwanese firms’ flexible terms and benefits; he added Taiwanese startups often pick Japan for global expansion.
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