TSMC is the world’s largest dedicated independent semiconductor foundry by market value.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, commonly called TSMC, manufactures chips designed by other companies rather than primarily selling chips under its own consumer brand. This business model is known as a pure-play foundry model.
TSMC was founded in Taiwan in 1987 by Morris Chang. Its advanced manufacturing processes became essential to companies designing processors for smartphones, computers, data centers, and artificial-intelligence systems. Major technology firms can therefore depend on TSMC even when consumers rarely see the TSMC name on a device.
The term “largest” can vary according to the measure used, such as revenue, wafer capacity, technology leadership, or market capitalization. TSMC’s importance comes from its combination of scale and advanced process technology. It is listed in Taiwan and also trades in the United States through American depositary receipts.