GlobalWafers chairwoman Doris Hsu said in a January 21, 2026, media interview that with easing inflation pressures and some central bank policy adjustments, the global economy is experiencing moderate growth despite ongoing challenges from geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties.
Hsu stated that GlobalWafers will continue to strengthen operational resilience by leveraging its global footprint and localized production to flexibly allocate capacity and optimize shipments, while accelerating customer validation and mass production ramp-up of new expansion lines.
Following mid-January tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the US, reciprocal tariffs were reduced to 15% without stacking most-favored-nation (MFN) rates, marking the world's first tariff relief under Section 232 provisions. Both sides also agreed to expand supply chain investment cooperation.
TSMC has announced the acquisition of a second land parcel in Arizona amid this trend. Within Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain, Chang Chun Group, Sunlit, and GlobalWafers have established manufacturing facilities in the US. Among the top five global silicon wafer suppliers, GlobalWafers is the only one expanding production on American soil.
GlobalWafers' new Texas facility, Global Wafers America (GWA), opened in May 2025. GWA is the sole full-process advanced silicon wafer fab participating in the US government's CHIPS for America Program and represents the first complete silicon wafer manufacturing line built in the US in over two decades.
During the interview, Hsu detailed GlobalWafers' US operations and partnerships.
How are collaborations progressing with customers like Apple and TSMC?
Apple recently announced investments and expanded cooperation with ten US companies, including those producing semiconductor components such as wafers made by GlobalWafers in the US.
This has drawn strong attention from Apple and other American customers, prompting accelerated certification and mass production at the US plant.
Hsu revealed discussions with customers about a possible Phase 2 expansion. GlobalWafers' position is clear: if market demand exists, customers have real needs, pricing is reasonable, and both parties commit long-term, the company is eager to further increase capacity.
The Texas plant is planned for up to six phases of development, with only Phase 1 currently underway, leaving significant room for future growth.
Local supply stability is highly valued by TSMC's Arizona fab, Micron, and other US-based customers—this focus aligns with GlobalWafers' current strategic push.
Has the US factory started mass production? What is the progress toward the 2026 target?
Small-volume shipments have begun and monthly output is steadily increasing.
The US expansion includes two main sites: the 12-inch silicon wafer fab in Sherman, Texas (GWA), and a 12-inch SOI wafer fab in Missouri. Phase 2 capacity at Sherman will match Phase 1, while Missouri's Phase 2 will be slightly smaller.
Phase 2 designs incorporate lessons from Phase 1, optimizing utilities, space efficiency, and cost competitiveness.
Since Missouri's SOI fab was built earlier, it is expected to ramp up faster, potentially reaching near-full utilization by late 2026 or early 2027.
The Sherman 12-inch advanced process and packaging wafer fab involves high vertical integration—from crystal growth to advanced applications—resulting in longer certification and sampling times and a slower ramp-up. Nonetheless, both fabs continue advancing with an optimistic outlook.
What is the status of US subsidies? Is reapplication required?
No reapplication is needed. US subsidies for foreign firms investing domestically include direct grants and the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (AMIC). Originally set at 25%, AMIC increased to 35% after legislation was passed, subject to specific conditions.
Hsu confirmed GlobalWafers has completed filings and received approval letters, with the first subsidy payment exceeding US$200 million already credited. Subsequent payments will follow milestone achievements.
The annual AMIC filing was completed in October 2025 and remains under review.
Are there plans to further increase US investments?
Preliminary design work for Phase 2 has started, though formal construction contracts have yet to be awarded. GlobalWafers' strategy is to rapidly initiate expansions and shorten timelines once customer demand and mutual commitments are clear.
Long term, scaling the Texas GWA into a global flagship rather than merely serving "America for America" is key. The plant's high automation and large single-floor layout offer advantages. Achieving sufficient scale would enhance cost competitiveness against Asian peers.
Hsu believes further expansion is a rational and correct choice, with timing and customer commitment remaining critical factors.
Is the global expansion showing results?
GlobalWafers is expanding in six countries. In Asia, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, plants are fully operational and hitting historic peak utilization rates. European sites in Denmark and Italy, along with US facilities, are progressing concurrently.
Compared to when investments were announced in 2022, governments and customers now place much greater emphasis on local supply and supply chain resilience—exceeding initial expectations. Many Tier-1 customers seek a certain proportion of local capacity even if they cannot source 100% locally.
From an economic perspective, tangible benefits have begun emerging and are expected to increase in 2026, with lower inventory levels, higher certification completion, and stronger overall semiconductor growth momentum.
Article edited by Joseph Tsai
