TAIPEI, April 11 (Reuters) - Taiwan chip maker Vanguard

International Semiconductor said on Friday it will

speed construction of its 12-inch fab in Singapore because of

geopolitical risks, as customers seek more options to make chips

outside China.

Construction of the plant, part of a joint venture, VSMC,

that Vanguard unveiled last year with European chipmaker NXP

Semiconductors ( NXPI ), is on schedule and even slightly ahead,

with mass production expected to begin in 2027, it added.

Vanguard Chairman Leuh Fang told reporters some customers

have also placed urgent orders due to U.S. tariffs, but added a

lot of uncertainties could still affect full-year demand.

The company exports less than 1% of its chips directly to

the United States.