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TSMC sales beat estimates amid AI demand ahead of US tariffs
The main chipmaker for Apple and Nvidia faces threats by US President Donald Trump to slap tariffs on semiconductor imports
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s quarterly revenue rose a larger-than-anticipated 42 per cent, reflecting strengthening demand for artificial intelligence (AI) servers and smartphones before US tariffs kicked in.
That marked TSMC’s fastest pace of growth since 2022. Electronics manufacturers had stockpiled goods in US warehouses in anticipation of potential trade and shipping disruptions.
The main chipmaker for Apple and Nvidia reported revenue of NT$839.25 billion (US$25.5 billion) in the first three months of 2025. Analysts on average expected roughly NT$830.5 billion. The company reports full quarterly earnings next week.
Its results coincide with growing concerns about how US tariffs may disrupt demand for electronics such as iPhones. Over the weekend, Americans rushed to pick up Apple’s marquee device, fearing it may raise prices to cover the additional cost.
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In March, TSMC chief executive officer C.C. Wei and US President Donald Trump jointly announced an additional US$100 billion investment in US chipmaking, boosting the White House’s goal of bringing manufacturing back home. Trump credited rising tariffs for the extra outlay.
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