In recent years, ASML, as a giant in the lithography machine market, has monopolized the global market and no one can match it. However, due to the constraints of Western countries, ASML's market position began to be challenged. China and Japan, as the two major scientific and technological powers in Asia, have broken through one after another, greatly enhancing their ability to independently develop and manufacture lithography machines. In this challenge, whether Biden can maintain the position of ASML has become the focus of attention.
Lithography machines play a vital role in semiconductor manufacturing, as they are able to project fine circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, which is one of the core processes of chip manufacturing. Due to ASML's monopoly position, most of the world's chip manufacturers use ASML's lithography machines, with a market share of more than 90%. In particular, the EUV lithography machine is an exclusive product of ASML, which compresses the living space of other competitors.
However, China and Japan have already made moves to break through the lithography machine market. It is understood that Shanghai Microelectronics is the only manufacturer of complete lithography machines in China, which has successfully developed a 90-nanometer lithography machine and is stepping up research and development of more advanced lithography processes. China's huge population base and abundant scientific and technological talent resources made ASML worry that China would one day achieve a breakthrough in lithography machines, breaking ASML's market monopoly.
On the other hand, Canon in Japan is also exploring alternatives to lithography machines. They have introduced nanoimprint equipment suitable for 5nm chip manufacturing. This device is capable of replicating and fabricating patterns at the nanoscale and is more reasonable than ASML's lithography machines. As a result, ASML's market share is being challenged by Japanese products.
The breakout moves in China and Japan have put some pressure on ASML's market position. While ASML remains a market leader, China and Japan are increasing their lithography machine manufacturing capabilities, potentially displacing some of ASML's market share in specific markets and applications. If an alternative product emerges, ASML will no longer be the only option.
In addition, Biden has imposed a strict technical blockade policy on Chinese chips and does not provide the most advanced technical support. China's choice in the face of the blockade is independent research and development, and they have made a series of breakthroughs by increasing their research and development efforts. For example, Huawei's Hongmeng system, Loongson Zhongke's Loongson 3A6000, etc. Although the development of lithography machines is difficult, it is composed of individual parts. China's lithography machine industry chain is also constantly stepping up the research and development of core technologies, once the final breakthrough is completed, the United States and Western countries do not ship is their loss. At that time, if you want to enter the Chinese market, you will have to see whether the Chinese customers need it, and the choice will return to the hands of China.
Biden will certainly try to hold the ASML in the current situation, but in the face of the breakout actions of China and Japan, their task will not be easy. How to stay ahead of the curve and protect ASML's market share under the constraints of the technology blockade will be a huge challenge for them.
ASML, as a giant in the lithography machine market, has enjoyed a monopoly position for a long time. However, with the breakthrough actions of China and Japan in the field of lithography machines, ASML's position began to be challenged. China has achieved the manufacture of 90nm lithography machines by increasing R&D efforts, and continues to develop more advanced lithography processes. Japan, on the other hand, has launched nanoimprint equipment suitable for 5nm chip manufacturing.
These breakout actions have put some pressure on ASML's market share, especially under the constraints of the technology lockdown policy. Biden needs to work hard to hold on to ASML and protect its market share, but the challenges cannot be ignored.
In the context of intensified global competition in science and technology, countries are actively seeking independent R&D and manufacturing capabilities to reduce their dependence on advanced technology. The breakthrough of lithography machines in China and Japan is precisely to achieve independent and controllable science and technology. Regardless of whether ASML's position is challenged or not, scientific and technological innovation and independent capabilities are the foundation of the country's long-term development.
Therefore, regardless of whether ASML can maintain its market position and whether the technology blockade continues, China and Japan should continue to increase their R&D efforts and improve their core technological capabilities to pave the way for their own technological development. While promoting scientific and technological progress, international cooperation and reasonable competition should also become important ways to promote global scientific and technological development.
Countries should cooperate more to jointly promote scientific and technological innovation and achieve a mutually beneficial and win-win situation. Only through the coexistence of cooperation and competition can we make greater breakthroughs in the field of science and technology and promote the development of scientific and technological innovation.