Southeast Asia Should Build More Chip Fabs to Reduce Supply Chain Risk, Says SEMI CEO

According to Ajit Manocha, CEO of SEMI, on May 5, Southeast Asia should build more semiconductor fabrication plants over the next decade to spread production and reduce supply chain risks. While 64 new fabs are expected to start operating in Asia by 2029, only six are planned for Southeast Asia, with most of the rest located in China and Taiwan. The call reflects growing concerns about concentration in chip manufacturing following supply disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions.