On September 24th, market whispers began to circulate, suggesting that TSMC was set to raise its foundry prices significantly. Specifically, the rumors indicated that the cost for manufacturing using its third-generation 3-nanometer process (N3P) would see an approximate 20% hike compared to its predecessor, the N3E. Furthermore, the foundry price for its upcoming 2-nanometer process, slated for launch next year, was rumored to soar by 50%.

In response to these swirling rumors of price increases on the same day, September 24th, TSMC issued a statement. The company clarified that it refrains from commenting on market speculation or pricing matters. Instead, TSMC emphasized that its pricing strategy is guided by a strategic vision, prioritizing long-term value creation over the pursuit of short-term gains. The company also reiterated its commitment to maintaining close collaboration with its customers.

TSMC's clientele for its 3-nanometer chips can be broadly categorized into two main groups. The first group encompasses consumer electronics chip manufacturers, including industry giants such as Apple, MediaTek, and Qualcomm. The second group consists of AI computing chip providers like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel.