America’s Semiconductor Boom Faces a Challenge: Not Enough Workers
New York TimesNov 26, 2022
The Facts
On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC) said it had to delay the start of production at its Arizona plant due to a shortage of skilled workers.
The US chipmaking giant had reportedly planned to begin chip manufacturing at the plant next year, but now it says the production will start in 2025.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Large-scale programs, such as TSMC’s semiconductor factory, often encounter delays. The tight labor market and the need for workers with high-tech skills explain why the chipmaker is having problems finding specialist workers. The administration is confident that the CHIPS and Science Act will enable it to meet TSMC’s needs and ensure that the US remains competitive in the global semiconductor market.
Establishment-critical narrative
The US was the world leader in chip production for decades. However, today it increasingly relies on imported computer chips. The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China complicates a difficult situation. If the US wants to stimulate demand for semiconductors and regain its position as a leading chip producer, it must first address the shortage of skilled labor.