TSMC on Thursday officially confirmed that its Fab 21 near Phoenix, Arizona, had begun high volume production of chips after months of rumors and a confirmation from the U.S. Commerce Secretary earlier in January.

TSMC's new U.S. plant is unlikely to get the most advanced chip technology before factories in Taiwan due to complex compliance issues, local construction regulations and various permitting requirements,

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing confirmed it started commercial production at its Phoenix complex during fourth quarter when profits surged 57%.