A recent survey by the Think Tank of Foundation for the People (啟思民本基金會) has revealed strong public opposition in Taiwan to transferring Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) advanced 2-nanometer (nm) technology to the United States. The poll, released on February 24, found that 84.8% of respondents were against the move, with 60.8% expressing strong disapproval.
Huang Kwei-bo, the foundation’s CEO, highlighted that the results reflect deep concerns about Taiwan’s economic security and technological leadership. Many worry that shifting advanced chipmaking capabilities abroad could weaken Taiwan’s global standing and leave its semiconductor industry vulnerable to foreign influence.
Concerns About U.S. Trade Policies
The survey also shed light on growing unease regarding future trade relations with the U.S., particularly if Donald Trump returns to the presidency. A significant 85.6% of respondents anticipate increased tariff pressures, with 52.8% believing such actions are “very likely.”
Additionally, the survey revealed that only 40.6% of respondents view Taiwan-U.S. trade as fair, while 62.4% believe the U.S. has the upper hand in negotiations. These concerns highlight fears that Taiwan may struggle to secure favorable trade terms, especially in the face of potential U.S. protectionist policies.
Disputing Trump’s Claims on Semiconductors
Amid discussions about global semiconductor competition, former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Taiwan is “taking away America’s semiconductor business.” However, the poll results show overwhelming disagreement with this assertion. A striking 88.4% of respondents rejected Trump’s claim, with 59.2% voicing strong opposition.
These findings reflect widespread recognition that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is a crucial player in global supply chains, rather than a direct threat to U.S. economic interests. The data suggests that many Taiwanese citizens believe their country’s chip sector contributes to global technological advancement rather than simply competing with American firms.
Lawmakers Urge Broader Economic Strategy
Legislative Yuan Deputy Speaker Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) weighed in on the poll’s findings, suggesting that a second Trump administration could reshape global trade dynamics through aggressive tariff strategies. He referred to this phase as “the Era of Grand Negotiation,” stressing that Taiwan must adapt by broadening its industrial focus beyond semiconductors.
Chiang urged policymakers to strengthen other key industries to ensure Taiwan’s long-term economic resilience. His comments reflect a growing call for Taiwan to diversify its economy to reduce dependency on a single sector, especially as geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties continue to evolve.
Polling Methodology and Reliability
The survey was conducted between February 18 and 21 using Facebook advertisements to reach participants. It followed demographic quota standards based on gender, age, region, and education level to ensure a balanced sample.
A total of 1,042 valid responses were collected, with a margin of error of ±3.03% at a 95% confidence level. The data was further refined using the Raking method to align with Taiwan’s national population structure, enhancing its accuracy and reliability.
Implications for Taiwan’s Semiconductor Future
The overwhelming opposition to transferring TSMC’s 2nm technology to the U.S. highlights a strong national sentiment about protecting Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. With global demand for advanced chips surging, many Taiwanese view their country’s technological expertise as a critical economic asset that should remain under local control.
As potential changes in U.S. trade policy loom, Taiwan faces key decisions on how to balance international partnerships while safeguarding its leadership in semiconductor innovation. The poll results signal that the public is deeply engaged in these discussions, making it clear that any policy shifts involving TSMC will require careful consideration of both economic and strategic implications.
