As part of its 2021 plan to invest $430 billion in the U.S. economy over five years, Apple announced a multi-billion dollar deal with U.S. chipmaker Broadcom to use chips made in the U.S. The move came as the US sought to reduce its reliance on foreign chip makers. As part of the multi-year agreement, Broadcom will collaborate with Apple to develop 5G radio frequency and wireless connectivity components. According to Apple, the technology will be designed and built at facilities around the country, including in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Broadcom has a major facility. "Apple helps support more than 1,100 jobs at Broadcom's Fort Collins FBAR filter manufacturing facility, and the partnership will enable Broadcom to continue to invest in critical automation projects and develop skills with technicians and engineers," Apple said in a statement Tuesday. The announcement came as the US continued to turn its attention to domestic semiconductor manufacturing to reduce American companies' dependence on foreign chipmakers. Last summer, President Biden signed the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, one of the largest federal investments in the private sector, which includes a $52 billion subsidy to domestic chipmakers, $24 billion to fund the tax credit for new semiconductor manufacturing facilities, and more.
The vast majority of advanced semiconductors are manufactured in China and Taiwan, which many US officials view as a national security concern. The epidemic-induced supply chain shocks that triggered a semiconductor shortage have also revealed global dependence on several key players, particularly for the chips required in the electronics and automotive industries. "All of Apple's products are based on technology designed and manufactured here in the United States, and we will continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy as we have an unwavering belief in America's future," Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement.
Source:
https://time.com/6282037/apple-broadcom-chips/
