Cooperation for semiconductors among US, Japan, and Taiwan accelerates

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www.donga.com, Nov. 10, 2021 – 

Japan has passed a bill to provide subsidies for the construction of semiconductor plants with an aim to position itself as a semiconductor hub by hosting global companies.

Previously, Taiwan's TSMC, the world's No.1 foundry, and the U.S.'s Micron Technology decided to newly build plants and research facilities in Japan. It seems that the Japanese government has discussed this with the two companies under the table. While the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan strengthen cooperation, South Korea is turning down the industry's request for support, delaying the plant construction of a domestic company.

The restructuring of the semiconductor supply chain is focused on locations, rather than the bases of companies. U.S. President Joe Biden is offering subsidies while putting pressure to attract more local investment. Japan will reportedly pass a bill this month to provide about five trillion won in subsidies for the construction of TSMC's plant in Kumamoto. The country is also likely to provide subsidies for Micron Technology's plant in Japan. Japan is domestically building a global production system and expanding technology cooperation.

In addition, Micron Technology is planning to build a D-RAM factory in Taiwan. Western Digital based in the U.S. is working to acquire Kioxia, a Japanese NAND Flash manufacturer. The three countries are investing in each other with triangular cooperation and building a new network of cooperation for the semiconductor. This raises concerns that South Korean companies will be excluded and competed against.

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