Japan's Kumamoto Fab Gets Green Light for 3nm Chip Production!

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has officially approved TSMC's revised plan for a second fabrication plant in Kumamoto, aimed at producing 3nm chips by December 2028. The capacity will start at 6,000 wafers per month, an 87.5% reduction from the original 48,000. This shift reflects the complexity of 3nm manufacturing requiring extreme ultraviolet lithography. METI's approval includes a ¥645.15 billion subsidy, with potential increases based on demand. TSMC emphasizes that this initial capacity is just the starting point, with hopes for expansion. The project marks Japan's return to cutting-edge semiconductor production, a significant step for its technology sector.