Recently, the Dutch company ASML released the latest data, showing that only 478 sets of front-end lithography machines were shipped worldwide last year, of which ASML company occupied 65% of the market share. What is embarrassing is that China's domestic front-end lithography machine shipments last year were 0 units, which has attracted the attention of the industry.
The front lithography machine is one of the indispensable equipment in the integrated circuit manufacturing process, mainly used for the lithography process in chip production. In recent years, with the rapid development of emerging technologies such as 5G and artificial intelligence, the integrated circuit manufacturing industry has also developed rapidly, and in this process, the market demand for front-end lithography machines has gradually increased.
However, the data shows that China's domestic front lithography machine has not been shipped, which is undoubtedly an embarrassment. In the case of the increasing dependence of the global chip market on China, China's independent research and development of front-end lithography machines has not made a breakthrough, which also exposes some problems and shortcomings in the field of advanced manufacturing in the mainland.
Industry insiders pointed out that the dilemma of China's independent research and development of the front lithography machine is not only a technical problem, but also a comprehensive effect of various factors such as market environment, financial support and talent training. First of all, due to the diversification of brands and the improvement of technical threshold in the domestic integrated circuit market, the competitiveness of China's self-developed front-end lithography machine in the market is relatively weak. Secondly, in terms of financial support, due to huge investment and high risk, it is difficult for domestic market funds to meet the research and development needs of front-end lithography machines. Finally, there is a certain gap between the mainland and foreign countries in terms of core technology and talent training in the field of manufacturing, and if the level of these aspects cannot be accelerated, it will be difficult to smoothly promote the research and development of front-end lithography machines.
However, it is worth noting that although China has not independently developed front-end lithography machines, the mainland has made many breakthroughs and advances in manufacturing in other fields. For example, in the fields of rail transit and new energy vehicles, Continental has made remarkable achievements. If these successful experiences and technical advantages can be transferred to the research and development of the front lithography machine, I believe that the day of China's independent research and development of the front lithography machine is not far away.
In short, the embarrassment is the truth, but this does not negate the overall level of domestic manufacturing. For the problem of the front lithography machine, we need to have more in-depth thinking and research, and gradually promote the progress and development of related technologies. In this way, we can achieve a larger share and competitive advantage in the future global manufacturing market, and also make China's manufacturing industry more stable in the world.
Recently, some insiders broke the news that the global shipment of front-end lithography machines in 2022 is only 478 units, which has attracted widespread attention from all walks of life. It is reported that the Dutch ASML company's share of the global front lithography machine market has reached 65%, while the domestic front lithography machine has no involvement. This data makes people sigh that the influence of domestic semiconductor production equipment in the international community still has a long way to go.
The front lithography machine is one of the indispensable equipment in semiconductor production, especially in the field of chip production. As the global semiconductor industry gradually enters a period of rapid development, the supply of front-end lithography machines is becoming increasingly tight, and prices have begun to soar. Under such a market background, ASML, as the only enterprise in the world with the ability to develop and produce the most advanced lithography machine technology, has naturally become the first choice for many customers.
ASML's success is largely due to its world-leading technological strength and capacity expansion capabilities. At present, its 13th generation lithography machine has begun to enter the commercial market and is considered to be the most advanced lithography machine in the world. In contrast, there is still a big gap between domestic enterprises in technology research and development and production capacity, and China's self-produced front-end lithography machine cannot compete in the market.
This status quo not only hinders the development of China's semiconductor industry, but also hinders the country's voice and status in the global semiconductor industry. How to break through the technical bottleneck of the front lithography machine, improve the independent research and development ability and the supporting ability of the industrial chain, has become an urgent problem to be solved. Only by achieving independent research and development and establishing competitive production capacity can we improve the international competitiveness of the entire semiconductor industry.
At the same time, domestic enterprises should also actively cooperate with international giants, absorb their advanced technology and management experience, and accelerate their own research and development, transformation and upgrading. In the face of ASML's strong monopoly and technical barriers, it is necessary to strengthen innovation capabilities and independent intellectual property protection, and create products and brands with core competitiveness. In addition, in terms of policy support and talent introduction, more policy and investment support is needed to provide enterprises with broader development space and high-quality talent resources.