Intel CEO Tan Calls TSMC a Partner, Not a Rival, Rules Out Zero-Sum Chip Competition

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said he does not view TSMC as a rival to be defeated, describing the Taiwanese foundry as a partner and a key relationship. Speaking on the Global Semiconductor Alliance podcast "A Bit Personal," Tan said he told TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei that Intel remains one of TSMC's top ten customers and intends to keep close cooperation. Tan said Intel's foundry expansion and continued use of TSMC capacity are not contradictory, noting that surging AI demand means TSMC cannot alone supply all customer capacity. The interview announced no new foundry agreement between the two companies. Tan also cited Intel's partnership with Nvidia (NVDA), which invested $5 billion in Intel, and said he counts AMD (AMD) CEO Lisa Su as a long-time friend. He said not every semiconductor relationship must be zero-sum.