Intel CEO views TSMC as partner rather than rival

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan has characterized TSMC as a partner rather than a direct rival, despite Intel’s ongoing efforts to rebuild its own foundry business. Tan noted that the semiconductor industry’s rapid advancement is largely due to TSMC, observing that many fabless companies would face significantly higher costs and risks if they were forced to build their own manufacturing facilities.

Tan indicated that Intel could remain a major customer for TSMC in the future. He suggested that even TSMC CEO C. C. Wei views Intel as a collaborator, as TSMC may not be able to single-handedly meet the surging global demand for artificial intelligence chips.

Regarding Intel’s internal foundry strategy, Tan emphasized a shift toward commercial viability. He stated that the continued development of advanced nodes, such as the 14A process, will depend on securing firm commitments from external customers rather than proceeding without clear business validation.