On August 19, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) shares declined 3.61%, marking a significant blow to the global semiconductor giant. Behind this drop, a 2nm process technology leak incident has brought considerable market turbulence to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.

Tokyo Electron (TEL) President Toshiki Kawai is scheduled to visit Taiwan in September for meetings with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing executives, highlighting the potential impact of this incident on the cooperation between the two companies.

The 2nm process leak case involving Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has entered the judicial investigation phase. The individuals involved include employees from both Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and TEL, with relevant personnel detained for allegedly violating local security laws. While neither Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing nor TEL has issued official responses to the matter, market analysts believe Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing may seek compensation from TEL after obtaining relevant evidence.

This incident has drawn widespread public attention, as 2nm technology represents one of the world's most advanced semiconductor process technologies.

Meanwhile, US President Trump announced plans to impose 100% tariffs on all imported chips and semiconductors, while domestic US production would be exempt. This policy is interpreted as America's attempt to forcefully drive chip manufacturing back to domestic shores, appearing much more aggressive compared to the relatively moderate CHIPS Act.

As one of the world's leading contract chip manufacturers, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's US investment plans have been affected by these developments. Despite Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's plans for large-scale factory construction in Arizona to meet US market demand, its American operations have not proceeded smoothly. Construction delays, cultural differences, and personnel management challenges have created numerous obstacles for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's US expansion plans.

Simultaneously, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing must balance relationships with its Chinese mainland clients. Within the global supply chain, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing faces pressure from multiple directions.

Against this backdrop, investors need to closely monitor Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's developments, particularly the progress of the 2nm process leak case and changes in US market policies. Given the intense competition in the global semiconductor market, investors should consider companies' technological capabilities, supply chain stability, and global market strategic positioning when selecting investment targets, aiming to achieve optimal balance between risk and returns.