Will TSMC Build a 1.4nm New Plant? Revealing the Story Behind a County’s Rejection — She Points Out Stock Was Only $500: Billions in Losses Incurred

TSMC (2330), the world's leading semiconductor foundry, has been actively expanding overseas. While its increased investment in the U.S. has drawn attention, the long-delayed Longtan Science Park expansion project (Longtan Phase III) in Taoyuan, previously opposed by local authorities, has recently been revived. The Hsinchu Science Park Administration confirmed that TSMC has expressed interest in entering the site if the necessary procedures for Longtan Phase III are approved.

On May 10, financial influencer Hu Tsai-ping posted on Facebook, recalling that in 2022, when the ruling party pushed for TSMC’s 1nm plant to be located in Longtan, the stock price was below NT$500. “Taoyuan residents missed out on hundreds of billions!” she exclaimed.

On her fan page 'Emmy Drama Time,' Hu reflected that years ago, when TSMC first considered setting up in Taoyuan, its stock price ranged between NT$370 and NT$500. However, under Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng’s leadership, the deal collapsed. In 2023, TSMC issued a statement expressing regret for causing social disturbance and announced its withdrawal from the Longtan project—“What an incredibly wise mayor!” she sarcastically noted.

She contrasted this with TSMC’s current stock price, now exceeding NT$2,400 and peaking at NT$2,535: “Taoyuan residents missed out on hundreds of billions!”

Why has TSMC’s potential entry sparked controversy? What are Longtan residents opposing?

Looking back at the development timeline, in October 2023, TSMC announced it would not proceed with entering Longtan Phase III due to local opposition to land expropriation. Now, the situation has taken a turn.

The controversy originated from the large-scale land acquisition for Longtan Phase III. The original plan covered approximately 158.59 hectares, with nearly 90%—about 138 hectares—being private land. Over 160 households and an estimated 3,000 people were affected. Residents formed the 'Self-Help Association Against the Longtan Science Park Phase III Expansion' and questioned whether the government should acquire vast amounts of private land for semiconductor development. They repeatedly protested in Taipei.

Will TSMC return to Longtan? What does the Hsinchu Science Park Administration say?

The land was linked to TSMC’s 1nm and later 1.4nm advanced process plans, making it the most contentious issue. Will TSMC actually return? In May, TSMC stated it “does not rule out any possibilities” but did not officially designate Longtan as a specific process site. However, recent industry reports suggest that if Longtan Phase III development proceeds smoothly, TSMC may establish 1.4nm and advanced packaging facilities there.

With public attention focused on TSMC’s potential entry, the Hsinchu Science Park Administration stated that TSMC has expressed willingness to enter if the required procedures are completed.

More exclusive reports from Feng Media: · TSMC’s appeal grows! Seeing southern Taiwan’s economic boom, Longtan residents reportedly shift from protest to envy and agree to 1.4nm plant entry · TSMC’s July revenue hits record NT$467.5 billion—third consecutive monthly record, Q3 highs expected · Will Taiwan’s day-trading tax incentives end? Engineer cites 5% wealth tax as insufficient to solve K-shaped economy and low-wage crisis