Report: Samsung's U.S. factory will start EUV trial production in March, planning to mass-produce Tesla AI chips in the second half of the year
Samsung's factory in Taylor, Texas, is scheduled to begin trial operations of EUV equipment in March this year, aiming to prepare for mass production of Tesla's AI5/AI6 autonomous driving chips in the second half of 2026. The factory covers an area of approximately 4.85 million square meters and plans to shift from 4nm to a monthly production of 50,000 2nm wafers. Although Samsung's 2nm yield has improved to about 50%, it still lags behind Taiwan Semiconductor, and its technological maturity will directly impact the supply process for customers like Tesla. The second phase of the factory may commence production ahead of schedule due to increased orders
Samsung Electronics' first wafer factory in the United States is accelerating its mass production process, planning to start trial operations of extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) equipment in March this year to prepare for the mass production of Tesla's AI5 and AI6 autonomous driving chips.
According to the Korea Economic Daily, Samsung plans to install etching and deposition equipment in phases, with full production expected to commence in the second half of 2026. Currently, Samsung is preparing to apply for a temporary occupancy permit from relevant authorities in Texas to initiate production before the factory is officially completed.
On-site construction has entered the final stages. Media reports citing contractors indicate that approximately 7,000 workers are currently on-site daily, with about 1,000 already stationed in the factory's office building, showing a significant acceleration in overall progress compared to a year ago.
Taylor Factory is Large with Room for Expansion
Samsung's Taylor factory in Texas covers approximately 4.85 million square meters, exceeding the combined area of its two factories in Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong in South Korea. According to the Korea Economic Daily, the company has reserved land at this site that can accommodate 10 additional wafer factories, indicating its long-term expansion plans in the U.S.
The factory was initially planned as a production base for 4nm chips, but the latest strategic goal has been adjusted to a monthly production of 50,000 2nm wafers, reflecting a clear direction towards transitioning to the most advanced processes. Furthermore, reports indicate that if Samsung can secure more customer orders, the currently under-construction second Taylor factory may begin operations ahead of schedule.
2nm Yield Challenges Remain as Samsung Accelerates Technology Promotion
In the competition for advanced semiconductor processes, yield remains a core challenge for Samsung Electronics. According to the Korea Economic Daily, TSMC is set to start 2nm mass production at its factory in Taiwan by the end of 2025, with initial yields reportedly reaching 70% to 90%, while Samsung's 2nm trial production line has not yet reached this level.
However, according to the latest news from G-Enews, Samsung has currently improved its 2nm process yield to about 50% and has begun to fully promote its second-generation 2nm technology SF2P. This technological advancement is crucial for Samsung, especially as its Taylor factory in Texas plans to launch the 2nm production line on schedule, with yield performance directly impacting its ability to supply key customers like Tesla on time
