United Microelectronics Corp. rebuffed speculation about plans to build a semiconductor plant in the United States, choosing instead to concentrate on its technology partnership with Intel Corp. The company’s stance emerges as its larger rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. prepares to start production at its Arizona facility next year.
The Taiwanese chipmaker addressed rumors that surfaced after Raymond Greene, director of the American Institute in Taiwan, visited UMC’s facilities. The company characterized the meeting as routine, declining to elaborate on discussions.
Rather than building its own US facility, UMC is pursuing a collaboration with Intel to develop a 12-nanometer process platform. The partnership, announced in January, aims to serve growing markets in mobile devices, communication infrastructure, and networking sectors.
The joint technology development will utilize Intel’s existing Ocotillo fabrication facilities in Arizona, with production scheduled to begin in 2027. This approach allows UMC to establish a US presence without the substantial capital investment required for new plant construction.
The strategy marks a different path from TSMC, which is investing heavily in US manufacturing capacity. Industry analysts note that UMC’s decision reflects its focus on mature process nodes rather than leading-edge technology, where domestic production has become a priority for US policymakers.