Japan Approves TSMC Kumamoto Plant's Shift to 3nm Production, Citing AI Demand

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has approved TSMC's plan to produce advanced 3-nanometer semiconductors at its second factory in Kumamoto Prefecture, marking the first time 3nm chips will be manufactured in Japan. The planned monthly capacity is 6,000 wafers.

TSMC originally intended to make 6nm and 12nm chips at the site but switched to higher-performance products after assessing growing AI demand. TSMC is the world's leading semiconductor foundry.