Germany's New Deal Just Shook The World, And China Is Ready To Pounce

Germany's New Deal Just Shook The World, And China Is Ready To Pounce
Have you ever stopped to think about how much we rely on tiny computer chips in our everyday lives? From our smartphones to the cars we drive, these little guys are everywhere. Recently, something big happened in the world of semiconductors that’s worth talking about: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is setting up a massive chip factory in Dresden, Germany. Sounds exciting, right? But while this news is great for Europe, it comes with some interesting twists—especially when it comes to China. Let’s dive into the juicy details of this project. On August 20, 2024, TSMC officially broke ground on a whopping €10 billion plant in Dresden, which is part of what’s affectionately known as “Silicon Saxony.” This isn’t just any old factory; it’s a joint venture called the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC). TSMC has a 70% stake in this venture, while German heavyweights Robert Bosch and Infineon Technologies, along with Dutch NXP Semiconductors, each hold a 10% stake.