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With the turbulence of the international situation, the semiconductor industry has also been involved in a protracted storm. ASML, the semiconductor equipment manufacturing giant, has recently become the target of US government restrictions on shipments, and its advanced EUV lithography machine once could not circulate freely, and even DUV lithography machines were also restricted. This restriction brings more uncertainty to ASML, especially when it comes to operating in the Chinese market.
ASML has always aspired to gain recognition in the Chinese market, which is known as the world's largest technology market. In order to gain a foothold in this hot land, ASML has repeatedly shown goodwill and spared no effort to express its willingness to cooperate. ASML President Wen Kening made it clear that the Chinese market is crucial and must not be abandoned.
However, this is not the first time ASML has extended an olive branch to the Chinese market. Positive statements by the Dutch ASML are becoming more frequent, especially after the agreement with the United States. The outside world has speculated whether ASML is doing some "calculations".
First, ASML actively opposes U.S. restrictions on its shipments, which is seen as a statement of pursuit of free trade and fair competition. Under the general trend of global trade liberalization, ASML firmly opposes trade barriers and believes that they are not in line with the principles of free trade. This stance demonstrates ASML's firm attitude towards the Chinese market, with the intention to expand market share and enhance competitiveness in fair competition.
Second, ASML proceeded to liquidate the range of equipment that could be shipped in order to better respond to orders from Chinese customers. After the agreement between the Netherlands and the United States, ASML intensively analyzed the range of lithography machines that could be shipped. Among the mainstream DUV lithography machines, only the TWINSCAN NXT:1980Di is excluded from the definition of "state-of-the-art" and can therefore be included in the scope of shipments. This step aims to provide Chinese clients with clear guidance on the areas within which they can continue to work with ASML and avoid being restricted by the rules.
ASML also highlighted the reduction in other customer needs, sending a positive signal to the Chinese market that they are willing to expand cooperation with the Chinese market. The aim of these efforts is not to abandon the Chinese market, because ASML understands the importance of the Chinese market to it.
Needless to say, the Chinese market is crucial for ASML. According to the financial results for the first quarter of 2023, Chinese companies contributed 22% of their net sales, while mature process lithography machines accounted for 30% of sales, an increase of 10% sequentially. This shows that ASML has tasted the sweetness of China's mature chip manufacturing market, especially in the context of SMIC, Hua Hong Semiconductor and Jita Semiconductor and other domestic manufacturers to increase mature chip manufacturing, ASML can still obtain stable orders from China. Although EUV lithography machines are difficult to sell, DUV lithography machines with lower processes can still be traded normally.
However, the reality is that ASML is continuously limited by the United States, and it is difficult to predict whether it will affect lower-end devices in the future. In order to ensure long-term development, China must move towards the road of independent research and development, strengthen the research and development strength of domestic lithography machines, and reduce dependence on external technology. Once China has its own alternative products, external restrictions will naturally fail, ensuring the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry.
In short, ASML's position in the Chinese market cannot be underestimated, and despite a series of challenges and restrictions, its firm willingness to cooperate and positive attitude have brought positive impact to the development of global trade. However, China must also step up its efforts in independent R&D and innovation to ensure the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry. It is a protracted battle, and victory belongs to those who keep trying.
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