On February 10, Cailian Press released a report stating that the Trump administration intends to grant tariff exemptions on chips to tech behemoths like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These tech titans are currently in a fierce competition to construct data centers essential for artificial intelligence operations, a process that necessitates massive chip imports. The proposed exemption is contingent upon TSMC's investment pledges, with the dual objective of stimulating domestic chip production in the United States and cushioning the blow for the US AI sector, which is heavily dependent on imported semiconductors.

Effective January 15, 2026, the US has instituted a 25% tariff on select imported semiconductors and their related products. However, semiconductors earmarked for data centers and other specific sectors have been spared from this tariff. In response, TSMC has pledged a staggering $165 billion investment in the US to expand its production capabilities.