Reports Allege that Huawei is Using TSMC Hardware for its AI Technologies

While TSMC is known for its work on different chips from different brands – the most popular being Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips – it seems like an unexpected “client” has stirred some trouble between the company and the US government.

More specifically, new information indicates that the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security has been investigating reports of TSMC chips being used in Huawei hardware, implying a possible violation of US export regulations. Given the spat between Huawei and the US government, one can imagine the fallout that this might lead to.

TSMC is likewise aware of the issue – it’s claimed that a third-party client provided TSMC processors for Huawei, a transaction that TSMC was not made aware of. The components were reportedly used for Huawei’s AI servers. TSMC has since stated that it is a “law-abiding company” and is committed to complying with operational regulations as required.

Meanwhile, Huawei denies obtaining TSMC hardware; it is also unclear if the third party client (unnamed as of the moment) was operating under Huawei, or where it is based for that matter. Currently, the Chinese company uses components manufactured by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), a major chip manufacturer based in China.

Source: GSMArena