The US has curbed chip exports to the Middle East because it is worried that Chinese companies could access the technology through data centers in the region. MKS Instruments expands to Malaysia with new Penang plant, supporting chip production US-based MKS Instruments said it planned to build a manufacturing plant in Penang, Malaysia, in early 2025 to support wafer fabrication equipment production. The company offers instruments, subsystems, and process control systems to customers in semiconductor manufacturing, packaging, electronics, and specialty industrial applications. Its customers include TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and STMicroelectronics. MKS CEO John Lee said the new Penang site would boast proximity to customers and suppliers, well-developed infrastructure, and an established semiconductor ecosystem. Chipmakers brace for TSMC price increases Industry sources said TSMC sub-7nm fab utilization rates have reached full since June and rebounded above 80% at 7/6nm.