China Tells

The chip making industry is dominated by a few big international players such as TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.), UMC (United Microelectronics) and Global Foundries. Apparently Taiwan manufacturers are quite competitive in this field. Recently TSMC announced that they will take 7.2% stake in Shanghai’s SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International, see Article from Business Week). SMIC and TSMC have been the long time rival in competing for the mainland China market for chips manufacturing. Therefore such a move from TSMC is quite surprising to the industry and people start to wonder why. I think in general it is always a great deal to take a stake in the competitor with a reasonable price. It is like putting a mole into the competition, which if leveraged properly would largely benefit the stakeholder. In addition, China market is one with greatest growth potential therefore it is an inevitable battle field for any serious chip makers.

台湾半导体制造公司最近购买了7.2%位于上海的国际半导体制造公司股份.该消息在业内引起热议和猜测.台导体和国际在中国市场是长时间的竞争对手,这次的入股被看作台导体在中国布局的重要战略步骤.台导体是世界三大芯片制造商之一,也是台湾有资格在大陆投资经商的三家半导体制造商之一.