Chip Wars: Samsung Aims for First US 2nm Foundry by Q1 2026

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Jun 24, 2025 - 01:30

The semiconductor industry is buzzing with intense competition. A recent development is related to Samsung, TSMC, and 2nm cutting-edge chip manufacturing. According to a recent report, the South Korean giant is making a bold play to potentially outpace its Taiwanese rival. Samsung Foundry wants to become the first to introduce state-of-the-art 2 nm chips in the US.

The information comes from ZDNET South Korean outlet. The report states that Samsung is accelerating its preparations to bring mass production facilities for 2nm chips to its Taylor Foundry fab in Texas as early as January or February of next year.

Samsung could overtake TSMC in 2nm chip manufacturing in the US

This ambitious timeline marks a renewed push for Samsung in the US market. The Taylor facility, originally slated for 4nm production, has seen its plans revised to focus on the more advanced 2nm process. This reflects the emerging demand for cutting-edge chips, especially for AI applications. The project has faced delays in the past due to concerns about high costs without guaranteed demand. However, Samsung has reportedly resumed critical cleanroom construction and is now finalizing equipment selection, with some suppliers already preparing for early 2026 deployment.

This aggressive move sets the stage for a compelling showdown with TSMC. Both industry giants are locked in a fierce battle for leadership in 2nm chip manufacturing, with each aiming to begin mass production in the near future. However, a crucial factor in this race is yield rate—the percentage of usable chips from a silicon wafer. Reports suggest that TSMC currently holds an advantage with a 2nm yield rate around 60%, compared to Samsung’s reported 40%. Despite Samsung being an early adopter of Gate-All-Around (GAA) architecture for its 3nm chips, improving yields remains a key challenge for the company.

Samsung Foundry wants to win back lost customers

Samsung’s strategy for its Taylor facility isn’t just about technological progress. It’s also about securing crucial customers in the short, medium, and long term. By establishing a cutting-edge 2nm production line in the US, Samsung aims to capitalize on the growing interest from major technology companies in sourcing chips domestically. This local production capability could be a significant draw, potentially helping Samsung attract global Big Tech clients, an area where TSMC has historically dominated. It’s a clear effort to increase its influence in the US chip market and intensify competition with TSMC’s existing operations in Arizona. Plus, such a move could earn him favor with the Trump administration, with all that that entails.

As preparations for mass production ramp up in Taylor, the focus will undoubtedly be on Samsung’s ability to not only deliver on its aggressive timeline but also to significantly improve its 2nm yield rates. The semiconductor world will be watching closely as this battle for nanoscale supremacy unfolds.

In related news, Samsung just officially announced the Exynos 2500 chip. While this SoC still uses the 3nm process, it will be a good example of the progress Samsung Foundry has made since last year.

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