According to recent reports, TSMC leadership is expediting a major next phase at the Arizona campus—a second fabrication facility could come online by 2027, with a move into mass production of 3 nm (N3) wafers. A fresh news article—published by CNA Taiwan—signals an uncertain technological roadmap for the leading foundry service's North American operations. Taiwanese regulators have reportedly questioned TSMC's commitment to a long-term "N-2" rule. Under strict guidelines, the nation's premier chipmaker is not allowed to narrow a two generation-wide gap between domestic and offshore foundry capabilities. Presently, the Arizona Fab 21 Phase 1 site—at best—can pump out 4 nm (N4) products . Additionally, it produces more mature 5 nm (N5) wafers.

Given the current global political climate, TSMC's executive team could have a tough time satisfying demands from both sides of the Pacific. CNA's news piece highlighted observations made by Lin Fa-cheng, the Deputy Minister of Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). According to that report, Fa-cheng believes that TSMC will continue to adhere to the "N-2" policy, due to the vast majority of company R&D expertise being concentrated domestically—once native development moves onto the creation of truly cutting-edge 1.2 nm and 1.4 nm technologies, their 1.6 nm-class process (A16) knowledge can be shared with overseas facilities. Almost a month ago, insiders posited that TSMC was planning another expansion of its home turf footprint —a speculated $28 billion investment could lead to the construction of three 2 nm specialist fabs.