ASML, the world’s largest supplier of chipmaking equipment, is looking to speed up the delivery of mature lithography machines to China. This is in response to strong demand from Chinese chipmakers, who are looking to upgrade their production lines.
Lithography machines are essential for the production of chips, as they are used to pattern the circuits onto the silicon wafer. ASML is the only company in the world that can produce the most advanced lithography machines, which are used to make the most cutting-edge chips.
However, ASML is not allowed to sell its most advanced lithography machines to China due to US pressure. This is because the US government is concerned that China could use these machines to develop advanced military technologies.
As a result, Chinese chipmakers have been relying on older, less advanced lithography machines from ASML. However, these machines are not capable of producing the most cutting-edge chips.
ASML is now looking to speed up the delivery of mature lithography machines to China. These machines are not as advanced as the latest models, but they are still capable of producing the chips that are needed for most consumer electronics products.
The move by ASML is likely to be welcomed by Chinese chipmakers, who are eager to upgrade their production lines. It will also help ASML to boost its sales, as China is a major market for chipmaking equipment.