TSMC, the sole supplier of A-series chips for iPhone 6 and 7 (it is assumed that also the exclusive supplier for iPhone 8), is considering the benefits of building manufacturing plants in the US. While the company has previously said it has not ruled out the idea. Now a TSMC spokesperson he told Reuters, that the final decision will be made in 2018.
“We would sacrifice some benefits if we moved to the US. In Taiwan, you have flexibility. If there is an earthquake, we can send thousands of people as support (in Taiwan), whereas in the United States this would be more difficult," the spokesperson said.
TSMC is considering an investment of around 16 billion dollars in a possible plant in the USA. And about 65% of all the company's revenue is generated in the US. One of the factors that can influence the decision is the fear that Apple may switch to Intel processors. TSMC is on orders Applu heavily dependent and precisely on the A10 chip for iPhone 7 is due to record revenues and profits last year.
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Other suppliers Applu are also considering moving production to the US. Sharp is reportedly interested in making displays in the US. Foxconn has also said it is exploring the possibility of a factory in the US.
Source: 9to5Mac, Cult of Mac
