
US ready to fine TSMC $1 billion for cooperation with Huawei
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ENGLISH: US ready to fine TSMC $1 billion for cooperation with Huawei
The world’s largest chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) faces a fine of $1 billion or more following an investigation into US export control violations. The reason was the discovery of the company’s chips in Huawei’s AI processors, Reuters reports.
The situation, which came to light in late 2024, involves a complex supply chain between TSMC, Huawei, and Chinese chip developer Xiamen Sophgo Technologies, affiliated with bitcoin mining equipment supplier Bitmain.
According to the investigation, a significant number of TSMC AI chips subject to export controls were used in the mass production of Huawei’s Ascend 910B AI accelerator. The scheme worked on a “nested doll” principle: the TSMC chip was embedded in a Sophgo microchip, which was then used in the Ascend 901B processor.
Of particular concern to US authorities is the fact that Huawei’s multi-chip processor is considered the most advanced device of its class produced in China. Estimates suggest hundreds of thousands of processors were manufactured using these components.
TSMC emphasized compliance with laws in its statement: “TSMC is a law-abiding company, and we strive to comply with all applicable rules and regulations, including export controls.” The company claims it stopped supplying Huawei in mid-September 2020 and is proactively cooperating with the US Department of Commerce on this issue.
Currently, TSMC is refraining from additional comments, citing a “quiet period” before publishing its financial reports.