TSMC Nanjing Gets U.S. Export License, Shares Rally

TSMC is set to enter 2026 with multiple positive developments. Alongside the ramp-up of its 2nm process technology at the Kaohsiung and Baoshan sites, the company has also secured regulatory approval that supports continued operations at its Nanjing fab.

TSMC confirmed that the U.S. Department of Commerce has granted a one-year export license allowing the Nanjing facility to import U.S.-controlled semiconductor manufacturing equipment. This approval ensures stable fab operations and uninterrupted chip deliveries. Under the license, qualified equipment can be shipped without the need for separate, case-by-case approvals, reducing operational uncertainty.

TSMC's stock reflected strong market confidence, driven by surging demand from AI and high-performance computing applications. The company continues to expand capacity for advanced process nodes below 3nm, while advanced packaging technologies such as CoWoS, SoIC, and CoPoS remain highly sought after. Shares closed at NT$1,585, up NT$35, marking another record high and pushing TSMC's market value to approximately NT$41.1 trillion.

According to Reuters, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have also received similar import approvals.

Previously, the U.S. government tightened controls on semiconductor equipment exports to mainland China after exemptions expired at the end of last year, raising concerns across the industry. TSMC stated that it proactively applied for an extension and successfully obtained the new license before the previous exemption period ended.

TSMC emphasized that the license enables continued operation and product fulfillment at the Nanjing fab without disruption. The facility mainly produces 16nm and other mature-node chips, rather than TSMC's most advanced technologies. In addition to Nanjing, TSMC operates an 8-inch wafer fab in Songjiang, Shanghai. According to the company's 2024 annual report, the Nanjing fab accounts for approximately 2.4% of TSMC's total revenue.