In recent years, with the active expansion and layout of domestic science and technology enterprises, the domestic semiconductor industry has ushered in rapid development, and the domestic chip equipment manufacturing industry has also ushered in unprecedented development opportunities.
According to China's bidding data, a total of 875 pieces of equipment have won bids in the production lines of major domestic wafer fabs, of which etching machines, testing machines and gas-liquid system equipment are the mainstay, and the proportion of domestic semiconductor equipment winning bids has reached 47%, a significant increase from 30% in 2022.
So, what is the reason for the rapid growth of the localization rate of semiconductor equipment, and what benefits can this growth bring to the development of domestic semiconductors? This article will give you an in-depth analysis.
1. Reasons for the rapid growth of the self-sufficiency rate of domestic chip equipment
The first reason cannot be ignored is the rapid rise of the domestic semiconductor market. With the popularization of emerging technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence, the domestic demand for chips has shown explosive growth. However, due to well-known reasons, the export of external chips to us is restricted, which further stimulates the development of self-developed chips and equipment.
This provides a broad market space and opportunities for domestic chip equipment manufacturing enterprises, and promotes enterprises to continuously increase R&D investment and improve technical level and product quality.
In addition, the strong support of relevant policies has also injected strong impetus into the domestic chip equipment manufacturing industry.
In order to promote the independence and controllability of the semiconductor industry, the state has introduced a series of policies and measures to encourage domestic enterprises to develop chip equipment manufacturing, and has given strong support in terms of capital, technology, and talents. The introduction of these policies not only enhances the confidence and enthusiasm of enterprises, but also provides a strong guarantee for the development of the industry.
The third important reason is technological innovation and breakthroughs, which have promoted the rapid development of the domestic chip equipment manufacturing industry. With the continuous enhancement of R&D strength, domestic enterprises have made major breakthroughs in some key technology fields, breaking the monopoly of foreign technology.
For example, in the fields of etching machines and cleaning machines, domestic equipment has achieved a breakthrough from 28nm to 7nm, reaching the international advanced level. These technological breakthroughs not only enhance the core competitiveness of enterprises, but also provide strong support for the development of the entire industry.
2. What benefits has the growth of self-sufficiency rate brought to the development of domestic semiconductors?
The improvement of the self-sufficiency rate of domestic chip equipment is of great significance to the development of domestic semiconductors, which can bring many benefits and opportunities. Specifically, there are four benefits.
1. The first benefit that can be thought of is to reduce the dependence on imported equipment and reduce the risk in the international market. This means that in the case of international trade disputes, technological blockades, etc., the domestic semiconductor industry can respond to challenges more independently and ensure the stability and security of the supply chain.
2. In addition, the greater the self-sufficiency rate, the more conducive to protecting the safety and sustainable development of the domestic semiconductor industry. Through independent R&D and manufacturing, domestic semiconductor companies can better grasp the core technology, avoid technology being controlled by others, and also help improve product quality and performance, meet the needs of the domestic market, and promote the healthy and rapid development of the industry.
3. In addition, it can improve the independent R&D and manufacturing capabilities, which will help promote the upgrading and innovation of the semiconductor industry.
With the improvement of technology, domestic semiconductor companies can continue to launch more advanced products to meet the needs of emerging fields and enhance their competitiveness in the global market. At the same time, it can also drive the development of the entire industrial chain and promote the transformation and upgrading of related industries.
4. Another benefit is that it can strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic semiconductor equipment industry and enhance its influence in the global market.
With the improvement of technical level and product quality, domestic semiconductor equipment will be more competitive in the international market and can attract more customers and market share. This can not only enhance the brand image and international status of domestic enterprises, but also contribute to the development of the global semiconductor market.
3. The direction of efforts and issues that need to be paid attention to in the future
Although the self-sufficiency rate of domestic chip equipment has exceeded 40%, we still need to face up to the shortcomings and challenges in the development of the industry.
Especially in the field of high-end equipment such as lithography machines, there is still a big gap between the domestic technical level and the international leading level. Therefore, we also need to continue to work hard in technology research and development, talent training, market development and other aspects to promote the entire industry to achieve a higher level of development.
In order to achieve this goal, the government, enterprises and all sectors of society need to work together.
The government should continue to increase support for the semiconductor industry, introduce more preferential tax policies and financial support policies, encourage enterprises to increase R&D investment, and improve technological innovation capabilities. At the same time, enterprises should also actively explore new models of market development, strengthen cooperation and exchanges with domestic and foreign enterprises, and jointly promote industrial development.
Education, training and talent development are also key factors. We should strengthen the training and introduction of semiconductor professionals, establish a sound talent training system and incentive mechanism, and attract more outstanding talents to join the semiconductor industry.
At the same time, we also need to strengthen the popularization and promotion of semiconductor technology, improve the awareness and attention of the whole society, and create a good social atmosphere for the development of the industry.
Conclusion
In general, the improvement of the self-sufficiency rate of domestic chip equipment is an important milestone in the development of our semiconductor industry. However, we still need to keep a clear head, face up to the existing shortcomings and challenges, and constantly strive to explore new development paths and opportunities.
Only in this way can we remain invincible in the competition in the global semiconductor market and inject a steady stream of impetus into the sustainable development of the mainland economy.