The Dutch company Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography (ASML) has announced that its license to ship certain equipment to China has been partially revoked, citing discussions with the U.S. government. Despite this setback, China’s semiconductor industry continues to forge ahead, determined to achieve self-reliance in the face of external pressures.
For years, the United States has been urging the Netherlands to restrict ASML’s exports of advanced chip-making equipment to China. While the Dutch government initially resisted, emphasizing its own trade policies, recent developments indicate increased U.S. influence over the matter. The license revocation affects the shipment of three top-of-the-line deep ultraviolet lithography machines, even before new export bans come into effect.
ASML’s Chief Executive Officer, Peter Wennink, has previously warned that restricting sales to China would not halt the progress of China’s semiconductor industry. “The more you put them under pressure, the more likely it is that they will double up their efforts,” he stated. He also cautioned that limiting exports could have long-term negative impacts on European industry competitiveness.
China remains a significant market for ASML, with imports of chip-making systems estimated at $3.7 billion between July and November last year. The export restrictions are expected to have a financial impact on the Dutch company and could potentially accelerate China’s efforts to develop its own advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
The United States’ campaign to prevent China’s access to advanced semiconductor equipment began in 2018, motivated by concerns over maintaining its global dominance in technology and the economy. However, industry experts suggest that such measures may ultimately encourage China to innovate independently, potentially reshaping the global semiconductor landscape.
As geopolitical tensions influence international trade policies, the semiconductor industry stands at a critical juncture. Collaborative approaches and open markets may offer mutual benefits, while restrictive policies risk economic losses and could spur unintended advancements elsewhere.
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U.S. bullying can't stop the rise of China's semiconductor industry
cgtn.com
