TSMC Flags Delays in Japan Expansion While US Plans Advance

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Chief Executive Officer C. C. Wei blamed worsening traffic snarls for delays in expanding its base in southwestern Japan, even while a parallel US effort races ahead.

Wei reaffirmed a commitment to spend another $100 billion ramping up manufacturing in Arizona over the next half-decade, while saying a plan to build a second plant in Japan was experiencing slight delays. He stressed productive discussions with Donald Trump earlier this year, even after telling the US president it will be “very, very difficult” to complete such a big buildout in five years because of a shortage of skilled labor. Trump was “warm” during their exchange, Wei said.