Tech
US Advance Chipmaking Push Gains Momentum As Nvidia, TSMC Begin Cutting-Edge Blackwell AI Chip Production In Arizona
NVIDIA chief holding up the new Blackwell GPU alongside its predecessor, Hopper.
In a major milestone for America’s chipmaking ambitions, Nvidia has begun large-scale production of its state-of-the-art Blackwell AI processors in the United States, in collaboration with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Nikkei Asia reported.
The development supports the Trump administration’s goal of restoring critical semiconductor manufacturing capacity domestically in the US.
Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang announced the commencement on Friday (17 October) following his visit to TSMC’s cutting-edge production facility in Arizona.
"This is a historic moment for several reasons. It's the very first time in recent American history that the single most important chip is being manufactured here in the United States by the most advanced fab, by TSMC, here in the U.S.," Huang said.
Huang emphasised that the project aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader vision to reindustrialise America—reviving manufacturing, generating employment, and advancing what he called "most vital manufacturing industry and the most important technology industry in the world".
The first phase of TSMC's plant in Arizona—its most sophisticated chipmaking plant outside Taiwan—began mass production in late 2024.
Its initial clients include Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.
In parallel, Intel has also commenced production of its cutting-edge 18A node chips at its Arizona site, signaling the state’s growing role as a hub for advanced semiconductor technology.
Huang’s visit to the TSMC's facility followed the company’s announcement that it would fast-track US production of its next-generation 2-nanometer chips.
TSMC Chairman and CEO CC Wei further indicated plans to exceed the company’s $165 billion US investment commitment by acquiring additional land for expansion, anticipating soaring AI-driven demand.
Ray Chung, CEO of TSMC’s Arizona facility, described the production of Nvidia’s Blackwell chips as a “milestone” achievement, attributing it to the companies’ three-decade-long collaboration in advancing chip innovation.
