Washington’s ambition for a 50/50 semiconductor deal with Taiwan is missing a key component — lack of a mature homegrown supply chain could be the missing link

Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attempted to urge Taiwan to agree to a 50% – 50% arrangement, under which chips used in devices for the American market would be produced equally in both countries. The ultimate plan of the current administration is to boost domestic semiconductor production to more than 40% by the end of President Donald Trump’s current term.

As observed by officials in Taiwan and analysts, the proposal lacks a workable definition, overstates Taiwan’s influence on…