TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The U.S. government-backed CHIPS and Science Act aims to incentivize and attract more semiconductor manufacturers domestically. John Neuffer, CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), is optimistic about the act, noting "early returns of nearly half a trillion dollars in commitments by the private sector are in play."
Although the U.S. currently produces only 10% of the world's chips, down from 37% in 1990, Neuffer emphasized that the U.S. remains a leader in semiconductor research and design. He stated that U.S.-based companies "still command roughly half of the global semiconductor market share."
The act is designed to incentivize semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. Neuffer highlighted significant investments from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung. He expects the industry, now worth $530 billion, to grow to $1 trillion by 2030 as chips become more ubiquitous.
Reflecting on lessons from the pandemic, Neuffer emphasized the need to rebalance global chip manufacturing to reduce risks from material shortages, geopolitical tensions, and natural disasters. Currently, 75% of chips are produced in East Asia.
In 2022, President Joe Biden's administration passed the CHIPS Act, investing $280 billion to strengthen domestic manufacturing, supply chains, and national security.