Besides planning to impose regulations on Chinese DRAM makers, the US pushed the Dutch government to revoke an export license for chip machine maker ASML. It impacts the shipment of certain lithography systems to China, as disclosed by the Netherlands-based company. This move by the Dutch government has prompted China to call for the Netherlands to “respect market principles” and uphold the law, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin emphasized the need to protect the common interests of both nations and maintain stability in international supply chains.
ASML specified that the export license revocation affects shipments of its NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i lithography systems in 2023. Although the company did not identify the specific customers affected, it acknowledged the impact on certain Chinese customers. ASML’s prominent customers in China include Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) and others, reports Reuters. The Dutch chip machine maker dominates the global market for lithography systems, a critical component in semiconductor manufacturing.
After preventing TSMC from fabricating chips for China, the US tries to block ASML from exporting chip manufacturing equipment to the country
The move by the Dutch government adds complexity to ASML’s operations in China, a market that has grown significantly for the company in recent years. China emerged as ASML’s largest market in the third quarter of 2023, accounting for 46% of the company’s sales. This shift in market dynamics aligns with China’s ongoing efforts to reduce its reliance on foreign technologies.
Notably, this is not the first instance of export control challenges for ASML. In 2023, the United States announced rules providing Washington with the authority to restrict the export of ASML’s “Twinscan NXT1930Di” machine if it contains any U.S. parts. ASML engaged in discussions with the U.S. government to clarify the scope and impact of these export control regulations. The company agreed to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including export control legislation.
China’s push to develop a self-reliant semiconductor supply chain includes efforts to catch up in lithography. While Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) is China’s only known maker of lithography machines, it is considered to be lagging behind ASML and Japanese peers. The recent revocation of ASML’s export license adds another layer of complexity to the global semiconductor landscape.
2024-01-03 15:06:15