Sources at semiconductor equipment makers believe Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) will make a more ambitious attempt than its internal goal towards capital spending in 2010. The contract chipmaker is projected to budget US$4.5 billion for the year, a 66% rise from the company's most recent estimate for 2009.
Previous reports cited company sources as saying TSMC has internally set a goal of US$3 billion for 2010.
The sources also claimed TSMC's 2009 capex already surpassed the US$2.7 billion level the company estimated at its last investors conference. The foundry chipmaker reportedly made more than NT$145 billion (US$4.57 billion) worth of equipment purchases during the last year.
Rival United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) will see its 2010 capex double to US$1 billion in line with the company's internal estimate, according to the sources.
Article translated by Jessie Shen
