ASML action, TSMC may face "great changes"?
In today's semiconductor industry, any technological innovation or market change has the potential to cause changes in the entire industry. And just some time ago, with an announcement from ASML, an industry giant, the situation on TSMC's side seems to have "changed". It's both a technology war and a marketing war, and time and time again it's deciding who is really in the driver's seat.
First of all, we must mention Samsung Electronics. Samsung is a large company in South Korea, and it has an important position in not only the two industries of memory and chip manufacturing. However, some time ago, due to the fierce competition in the international semiconductor industry and the rapid technological innovation, Samsung also felt unprecedented pressure. In particular, the competition between Samsung and TSMC in extreme ultraviolet lithography technology has entered a white-hot stage. EUV lithography machine, which is a key component of high-end integrated circuits of 14nm and below, has always been the "battlefield" for major manufacturers.
However, the supply of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines has always been in the hands of ASML in the Netherlands. Due to its close relationship with ASML, TSMC has become an important customer of ASMLEUV. However, some time ago, Intel and other companies entered the market, and the demand for extreme ultraviolet lithography machines soared, but ASML production capacity is very limited, making it difficult for companies like Samsung to obtain.
In this context, Samsung is working intensively with ASML. According to reports, the chairman of Samsung has visited ASML twice for consultations, and some time ago it was reported that South Korea also made a rare visit to the Netherlands to gain the favor of ASML. Rumor has it that Samsung has signed a contract with ASML to purchase 50 extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment within five years. This move is undoubtedly a huge test for TSMC.
But that's not all. What's even more surprising is that ASML has announced some time ago that it will invest 54 in South Korea together with Samsung$500 million research and development base. The move will enable Samsung and ASML to conduct more in-depth research on the next generation of high-end EUV processes. Foreign ** said about the sudden appearance of the "alliance", saying that the situation of TSMC is indeed "changing".
However, in the tech war, the strength of local companies cannot be ignored. Although China's research on EUV lithography is still in its infancy, with the strong support of the state, domestic enterprises are speeding up the pace of catching up. Companies such as SMIC and Huahong have begun to research advanced technology and have begun to show good competitiveness.
In addition, although ASML has an absolute advantage in the field of extreme ultraviolet lithography, it does not mean that it can always be in a leading position. As technology continues to evolve and the market continues to change, new competitors emerge at any time. Therefore, if you want to occupy a place of your own in the world, you must strengthen your own research and development and strengthen your own strength.
In the case of ASML's official announcement and Samsung's initiative, TSMC's situation has indeed changed. However, from this change, we can also see that there are opportunities for local companies. In the future, the world's semiconductor industry will become increasingly diversified and highly competitive due to the development of science and technology and changes in the market. In the fierce market, which companies can grasp the opportunity, meet the challenge, continue to innovate, surpass themselves, win the market, and lead the future?This will be a subject that we continue to care about.