Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer Vanguard International Semiconductor announced plans to accelerate the construction of its 12-inch fabrication plant in Singapore due to increasing geopolitical risks. The move is in response to customers' growing interest in diversifying chip production away from China. The facility, established in partnership with NXP Semiconductors under the joint venture VSMC, is progressing according to schedule and may even be ahead, targeting mass production by 2027. Vanguard's Chairman Leuh Fang mentioned that some clients had rushed orders in response to U.S. tariffs, but highlighted ongoing uncertainties that could impact overall demand for the year. The company currently sells less than 1% of its chips directly to the United States.