Sees 2023 spending at low end of 3236 bln forecast
Q2 profit T181.8 bln vs T172.55 bln analyst view
Q2 revenue down 13.7 on year at 15.68 bln
Experiencing labour challenges at Arizona fab

TAIPEI, July 20 Reuters Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC forecast a 10 drop in 2023 sales on Thursday after reporting a 23 fall in secondquarter earnings as global economic woes dented demand for chips used in applications as varied as cars, cellphones and servers.

The world39;s largest contract chipmaker estimated investment spending for this year at the lower end of a previous estimate of 3236 billion amid challenges from rising inflationary costs and an uncertain global economic outlook.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd said, however, it expects thirdquarter revenue to pick up to around 16.7 billion17.5 billion, from 15.68 billion in the previous quarter, and flagged robust demand for its 3nm technology.

The chipmaker said it was grappling with a shortage of specialist workers at its Arizona fabrication plant and N4 production would be delayed to 2025.

TSMC late last year began construction of a second chip factory in Arizona which will start production in 2026, using advanced 3 nm technology, supporting Washington39;s plans for more chipmaking at home. Its total investment in the U.S. project amounts to 40 billion.

For the second quarter ended June, TSMC, a major Apple Inc supplier, reported a 23.3 fall in net profit beating forecasts although it was its first onyear…