Jakarta –
The United States government through the Department of Commerce accused TSMC of supplying chips to Huawei, and will investigate the giant technology company from Taiwan.
The US Department of Commerce accused TSMC of supplying chips for cellphones and AI chips to Huawei even though Chinese manufacturers are prohibited from accepting chip supplies from companies that use American technology.
This report emerged from The Information, which stated that the US Department of Commerce asked TSMC directly whether they supplied chips to Huawei, either directly or indirectly, as quoted by detikINET from GSM Arena, Tuesday (22/10/2024).
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However, according to TSMC, they are a company that complies with the law and will strive to ensure compliance, including conducting investigations and communicating proactively with all parties involved.
This investigation is focused on the Kirin 9000 chip, one of which is used in the Mate 60 line of cellphones, and the Ascend AI chip, which, according to the US government, should use components that Huawei cannot obtain due to the ban.
However, Huawei claims that all its chips come from China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). Although previously there were also reports that the Kirin 9006C chip used in the Qingyan L450 laptop made by Huawei also came from TSMC.
As is known, the American government has banned Huawei from buying chips made using American technology since 2020. Huawei is even prohibited from purchasing chip manufacturing equipment, so that they cannot make their own chips.
The Commerce Department’s accusations tarnished the good news from TSMC’s financial report, which recorded a 54% increase in profits in Q3 2024 thanks to increasing demand for AI chips.
TSMC does not have its own AI chip, but they provide AI chip manufacturing services from companies such as Apple and Nvidia. As a result, they can enjoy financial benefits from the increasing popularity of AI in various industries.
TSMC’s increasing profits also had an impact on the value of their shares which immediately increased 10% after the announcement.
(asj/asj)
TSMC in a Chip Quandary: US Accusations and Huawei’s Response
Jakarta – Well, well, well, it seems we’ve got a tech showdown brewing hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna! The United States government has turned its eagle-eyed gaze on TSMC, alleging that the Taiwanese chip giant is supplying chips to Huawei. The plot thickens, like a good gravy – just the way we like it!
The Accusation: Chips Ahoy!
The US Department of Commerce is none too pleased, accusing TSMC of sneaking chips for cellphones and AI straight into Huawei’s hands. But hang on a second; isn’t there a little something called a ban on those very same transactions? You see, American manufacturers are barred from doing the tango with Chinese chipmakers. And boy, does it smell like a scandal brewed in a cat litter box!
According to The Information, the Department of Commerce is knocking on TSMC’s door, practically demanding to know if they’ve been playing footsie with Huawei. Will TSMC fess up like a guilty schoolboy caught with his hand in the cookie jar? Tune in for the next episode of “As the Semiconductor Turns!”
TSMC: The Lawful Knight
In response, TSMC is donning its shiny armor, claiming to be a law-abiding citizen of the chip world. They’ve declared their commitment to compliance, which, if I may say, is quite noble. They’re all about investigating and communicating, much like a couple sitting down for a chat about whose turn it is to take out the bins. Good luck with that, chaps!
But Wait, There’s More!
It appears that eyes are being drawn to the Kirin 9000 chip, a staple in Huawei’s Mate 60 phone lineup, and the Ascend AI chip. These chips are without a doubt under suspicion—like a cat found next to an open fish can! Apparently, these components should be too hot for Huawei to touch due to the existing sanctions.
However, Huawei has countered with a defense that would make any lawyer proud. They assert that all their chips come from China’s Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). Let’s take a moment for ambiguity: Previously, TSMC’s Kirin 9006C chip was also rumored to have been used in Huawei’s Qingyan L450 laptop. It sounds like a game of “Chip or No Chip,” one that even the best poker players would find tricky!
US Sanctions: A Chip on the Shoulder
To throw a bit of drama into the mix, the US has been trying to keep Huawei at arm’s length since 2020. They’ve banned Huawei from buying all chips made with American technology—essentially putting the company in a corner wearing a “You shall not pass!” sign.
Ironically, just as TSMC’s profits soared by 54% in Q3 2024, propelling their stock up by a delightful 10%, along comes the Commerce Department with a bucket of cold water. You’d think they’d let TSMC enjoy the champagne instead of raining on their parade with accusations!
The AI Chip Surge
Mind you, TSMC isn’t just building its empire on its own shaky foundation. While they don’t produce AI chips, they’re making a killing by manufacturing them for others, including tech titans like Apple and Nvidia. The chip war is a bustling marketplace, and everyone wants a slice of that juicy AI pie!
In conclusion, this chip saga is far from over. Will TSMC clear its name, or will it land in hot water for what may or may not be chip collusion? Stay tuned as this story unfolds like a high-stakes drama with more twists and turns than a Julia Roberts rom-com!
Asj brings you the latest in the world of tech, where the chips might fall where they may, but the jokes are always delivered fresh!
