The U.S.
semiconductor industry has hit another major milestone as GlobalWafers begins domestic production of silicon wafers in Texas, supported by investments from Apple and TSMC. This move signals a step closer to America’s vision of self-reliant chipmaking, cutting down dependence on overseas suppliers.
Over recent years, the U.S. government has positioned semiconductor manufacturing as a matter of national security, encouraging giants like TSMC and Samsung to establish facilities stateside. Now, GlobalWafers’ Texas plant marks a breakthrough by producing the essential silicon disks that power every advanced chip. These 300mm wafers are the starting point of modern semiconductor fabrication, without which chip production cannot begin.
The facility’s initial output is projected at 300,000 wafers per month, reducing the need to import from Japanese suppliers such as Shin-Etsu Chemical and Sumco. By sourcing wafers locally, companies like TSMC can streamline production timelines and mitigate supply chain risks.
Mark England, a GlobalWafers executive, emphasized Texas as the optimal choice thanks to tax benefits and robust supply chain infrastructure. The move underlines how the U.S. is becoming increasingly attractive to global chipmakers, representing a clear pivot of semiconductor investment from East to West.