TSMC's Rumored Intel Investment: Taiwan’s Economy Minister Responds

Taiwan’s Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei stated on Tuesday that his ministry has not received any overseas investment application from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), amid speculation that the chip giant may invest in Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) and expand in the U.S.

Reports suggest TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker and a key supplier to Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), is in talks to acquire a stake in Intel. However, neither company has confirmed the discussions. Any major overseas investment by a Taiwanese company requires approval from the economy ministry’s investment review commission.

Addressing reporters in Taipei, Kuo declined to comment on market speculation, emphasizing that the ministry would only engage in discussions if TSMC submitted an official report. “Because it involves foreign investment, it would go through our investment commission. So far, we have not received any information, so I have no way to comment on this issue,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. policies under President Donald Trump have pressured Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Trump has criticized Taiwan for taking semiconductor manufacturing away from the U.S. and has threatened tariffs on chip imports and trade surplus countries, including Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Economy Ministry Deputy Minister Cynthia Kiang visited the U.S. to gather information and engage with current and former officials, though details of those discussions remain undisclosed.

As global semiconductor competition intensifies, TSMC’s potential investment in Intel could reshape the industry, but for now, Taiwan’s government has yet to receive any formal application.