TSMC Seeks Rare-Earth-Free Factory Equipment to Reduce China Supply Risk

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is exploring alternatives to rare-earth components in factory equipment, according to three people familiar with the matter, to reduce the risk that Beijing's export controls could disrupt production of the world's most advanced chips. TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker, has surveyed suppliers on using rare-earth-free motors in factory-automation equipment, according to three industry executives briefed on the plans. One of the people said the effort was driven by concerns about potential supply disruptions from China. The discussions remain at an early stage and have not resulted in a broad rollout. China last year placed certain rare-earth materials, magnets and related processing technology under export controls requiring licenses. For the full story, please refer to the original article.