China is currently subject to sanctions, particularly in the technology sector. This affects both finished products and the country’s ability to acquire its own production equipment. In any case, China is investing heavily in this strategic sector and seeking to become self-sufficient, even when it comes to production tools. We’ve learned, for example, that the country is assembling immersion-type DUV machines on its own soil. However, things aren’t as simple as they seem.
Immersion DUVs: The First Machines Assembled in China!
SMIC and CXMT involved in the first deliveries:
For now, the name of the manufacturer of these machines is being kept secret. However, we know that the company is aiming to produce five units this year. By 2027, production is expected to reach twenty machines. Clearly, this falls short of the production capacity of ASML, which plans to deliver 130 machines by the end of the year. Furthermore, the companies that would benefit from this first batch of “made in China” equipment are, of course, technology firms. Names like CXMT and SMIC stand out, as does Hua Hong Semiconductor.
Will performance fall short?
Once again, just because China is capable of assembling this type of equipment doesn’t mean these machines are high-performing. In fact, they are not yet fully operational in production. Furthermore, their technological level remains below that of ASML’s machines, which could result in lower yields and reduced precision. The same uncertainties apply to production speed and reliability.
But that does not mean these machines will not find a market. They could, for example, be used to produce chips using a mature process or memory chips that are simpler to etch. They could also be used in less critical stages of production.
In short, China’s ultimate goal is to ensure maximum self-sufficiency, even though some components of these machines are imported from Japan—though it is not yet clear which ones.
