April 20, 2001 – Hsinchu, Taiwan – Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) plans to delay construction of two 300mm fabs in southern Taiwan until the economy shows signs of improvement.

TSMC has planned to begin construction this year on the two plants. Another 300mm plant already under construction will be completed, but the company will delay equipping the fab, according to reports quoting TSMC president F.C. Tseng.

Tseng was quoted as saying the semiconductor industry was “walking in the fog.”