TSMC Cautiously Delays Chipmaking Equipment Orders Amid Weaker Demand
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TSMC has told major suppliers like ASML to delay high-end chipmaking equipment deliveries due to growing caution about demand.
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The instruction to delay deliveries reflects TSMC's aim to control costs amid weaker economic conditions, slower China recovery, and softer end-market demand.
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Suppliers expect the delay to be short-term. ASML CEO confirmed some high-end tool orders were pushed back.
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TSMC has been forced to delay production at its $40B Arizona fab to 2025, struggling with recruitment and union pushback.
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Apple's unchanged iPhone pricing amid global smartphone slump adds to unease at TSMC, which also faces competition from Huawei using Chinese-made chips.