Nvidia's AI Revolution: Supercomputers "Made in USA" with Taiwanese Tech Giants

A Deep Dive into the Collaboration Shaping the Future of AI and the Impact on Taiwan

Taipei, Taiwan – Nvidia Corp. is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to establish the first U.S.-made AI supercomputers, partnering with leading Taiwanese companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., and Wistron Corp.

Announced in a recent blog post, Nvidia revealed plans to invest up to US$500 billion in AI infrastructure products in the U.S. over the next four years through its strategic manufacturing partnerships. This move marks a significant shift in the global AI landscape, with potential implications for Taiwan's economy.

Beyond TSMC, the project involves Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. (also known as Foxconn, a major iPhone assembler and AI server maker) and Wistron Corp., both key players in Taiwan's tech sector. Furthermore, American IC packaging and testing services provider Amkor Technology Inc. and its Taiwanese counterpart Siliconware Precision Industries Co. (SPIL) are also integral to the project.

This shift in production to the U.S. raises questions about its impact on Taiwan, as many components of Nvidia's AI graphic processing units are currently manufactured there. When questioned on the matter at a legislative hearing, Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) acknowledged the situation but stated he couldn't comment on the specifics of Nvidia's project due to a lack of details. Minister Kuo did state that the Ministry of Economic Affairs would closely monitor the overseas investments of Taiwanese companies and provide necessary support.

Nvidia emphasizes the complex nature of its AI chip and supercomputer supply chain, requiring cutting-edge manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and testing technologies. These partnerships are expected to deepen relationships and expand the global presence of involved companies.

Production of advanced Blackwell AI chips has already begun in TSMC's Arizona wafer fab. Nvidia is simultaneously building supercomputer production bases in Texas, collaborating with Hon Hai in Houston and Wistron in Dallas, with mass production anticipated to ramp up within the next 12-15 months.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) proclaimed, "The engines of the world's AI infrastructure are being built in the United States for the first time." He further noted that this expansion will help Nvidia meet the "incredible and growing demand for AI chips and supercomputers, strengthens our supply chain and boosts our resiliency."

This announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions around trade and manufacturing investment in the U.S. Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s prior threats of tariff actions aimed at incentivizing foreign manufacturers to invest in the U.S., and recent actions, are relevant. TSMC, for instance, has already committed an additional US$100 billion to building three more advanced wafer fabs, two IC assembly plants, and one research and development center in the U.S., bringing its total investment in Arizona to US$165 billion.