Micron, a US chipmaker, is poised to receive up to $6.1 billion in grants from the US government to aid in the construction of new semiconductor plants in both New York and Idaho. This funding announcement, which will be made by President Joe Biden during his visit to Syracuse, New York, is part of a broader initiative by the government to bolster domestic semiconductor production. The United States aims to solidify its position in the chip industry, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence, to maintain a competitive edge and address national security concerns, particularly in light of competition from China.
The $6.1 billion in funding for Micron is made possible through the CHIPS and Science Act, a comprehensive legislation package passed by Congress in 2022 to provide financial assistance and tax incentives to advance research and semiconductor manufacturing in the US. This support is intended to facilitate Micron in bringing cutting-edge memory chip manufacturing back to the United States after a two-decade hiatus. Senator Chuck Schumer of New York highlighted that this investment will contribute to the establishment of two new facilities in Clay, New York, and one in Boise, Idaho, where Micron is headquartered.
Micron’s commitment to invest up to $125 billion in both states over the next twenty years is anticipated to foster a robust memory manufacturing ecosystem and generate over 70,000 new jobs, including 20,000 direct roles in construction and manufacturing. CEO Sanjay Mehrotra praised the move as a significant milestone for US semiconductor manufacturing, stressing that these investments will result in the creation of numerous high-tech positions. The development and production of advanced memory semiconductor technology in the US are crucial for maintaining leadership in artificial intelligence and safeguarding economic and national security interests, according to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Despite the US being the birthplace of semiconductors, the country currently produces only a fraction of the world’s chips and lacks significant presence in the most advanced chip technologies. The global chip industry is dominated by a few key players, such as TSMC in Taiwan and Nvidia in California, leaving the US heavily reliant on Asia for chip manufacturing. This dependence raises concerns about vulnerabilities in the supply chain, as evidenced by disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic and potential geopolitical crises. Senator Schumer emphasized the importance of domestic chip production to avoid overreliance on foreign suppliers, especially in countries like China.
In addition to supporting Micron’s semiconductor projects, President Biden is expected to unveil the establishment of four new “workforce hubs” in Upstate New York, Michigan, Philadelphia, and Milwaukee. These hubs, designed to foster collaboration between employers and educational institutions, are part of a broader strategy to encourage more investments and commitments in the semiconductor industry. The expansion of domestic semiconductor manufacturing not only enhances technological capabilities but also bolsters job creation and economic growth, positioning the US as a leader in the global chip market.
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