Shanaz Musafer

TSMC will invest an additional $100bn to expand chip manufacturing in Arizona, increasing its total US commitment to $265bn and potentially adding four new plants. The move aligns with Donald Trump’s push to boost domestic semiconductor production and follows a US‑Taiwan trade agreement that reduced tariffs in exchange for major investments. TSMC’s announcement comes amid strong demand for advanced chips, which has driven a sharp rise in profits and a surge in its market valuation. US officials say the expanded investment will create tens of thousands of high‑tech jobs and strengthen the domestic supply chain.

TSMC will invest an additional $100 billion to expand semiconductor production in Arizona, raising its total US commitment to $265 billion and potentially adding four new plants. The move supports US efforts to grow domestic chip manufacturing following pandemic-era supply shortages and reflects strong global demand for advanced chips used in AI and smart devices. The company reported a 77% rise in second-quarter profits, driven by expanding chip demand. US officials welcomed the investment, linking it to recent tariff negotiations with Taiwan and ongoing initiatives to rebuild the American semiconductor ecosystem and create high‑paying jobs.

British Steel has been nationalised after significant financial losses and concerns over the UK losing its remaining virgin steel‑making capacity. The Scunthorpe plant’s aging blast furnaces, rising costs, low global prices and tariffs contributed to mounting losses, prompting government intervention to protect jobs and maintain strategic industrial capability. The decision also triggered compensation discussions with former owner Jingye and criticism from China. Broader pressures on the UK steel sector include global oversupply, high domestic energy costs and previous furnace closures, leaving nationalisation intended as a temporary measure while the government determines the plant’s future.