In the tech industry, ASML's name is almost synonymous with cutting-edge technology. The High NA EUV lithography machine in the hands of the Dutch company is undoubtedly the pearl of the current semiconductor manufacturing field. Its high precision and high efficiency make it attract attention in the industry. Global technology giants such as Samsung, TSMC and Intel, as potential customers of the device, have been rumored to cooperate with each other. Intel, in particular, is rumored to have reached the installation stage of its cutting-edge EUV lithography equipment, which undoubtedly adds more halo to this ASML device.
However, under such hype, ASML's recent move seems somewhat unexpected. According to reliable sources, the Dutch ASML has successfully delivered the second NA EUV lithography machine, but surprisingly, this time ASML chose to remain silent and refused to reveal the identity of the buyer. This largely broke with its previous principle of openness and transparency on similar incidents, and sparked widespread speculation in the industry.
There is a view that this lithography machine may not have been sold to the three technology giants that were widely speculated before, but someone else. Some voices believe that Chinese customers may be a possible option. Considering ASML's layout and expansion in the Chinese market in recent years, such speculation does not seem to be groundless. But given the U.S. technology controls and ASML's sales growth in the U.S. market, such an unlikely scenario seems unlikely.
On the other hand, the American tech giant IBM is also seen as a potential buyer. Earlier rumors, IBM plans to introduce an NA EUV lithography machine to further enhance its semiconductor manufacturing capacity. Given IBM's position in the global technology sector, as well as its investment and R&D in semiconductors in recent years, such speculation seems more reasonable.
However, why ASML chose to remain silent in this transaction and refused to disclose the identity of the buyer undoubtedly adds a veil of mystery to the whole incident. Some analysts believe that this may be related to the identity of the buyer, especially the partner behind it. Rumor has it that among the companies that IBM works with is a semiconductor company called Micron. Recently, Micron has attracted great attention in the U.S. semiconductor industry, and it plans to expand production by more than $4 billion in the mainland, which undoubtedly provides more possibilities for cooperation between ASML and IBM.
In addition, considering the current competitive situation in the global semiconductor market and ASML's leading position in the global lithography machine market, its choice to remain silent at this moment may also be related to its long-term strategic layout. On the one hand, by maintaining a sense of mystery, it can further increase its topicality and attention in the market, and on the other hand, it may also leave more flexibility and space for its future cooperation and sales strategies.
However, despite ASML's choice to remain silent, the industry has never stopped speculating and discussing the identity of its new customers and the partnership behind them. And as time goes on, I believe the answer to all this will eventually be revealed.
Overall, ASML's shipment strategy has undoubtedly brought a lot of surprises and speculation to the industry. And for us, it's also a reminder that in the global tech industry, any small change can have a huge impact. And it is these constant changes and advances that drive the entire industry forward.
In the future, we look forward to ASML continuing to bring us more surprises and breakthroughs, and also look forward to the sustainable and healthy development of the global semiconductor market and contribute more to the scientific and technological progress of mankind. And all this is inseparable from the efforts and dedication of every science and technology enterprise and scientific research personnel.