Chinese memory and storage makers have reportedly stockpiled enough lithography tools from ASML to ensure their expansion plans for the next three years, even if they are cut off from the supply chain. According to a report from the Financial Times, memory maker CXMT and storage giant YMTC have secured sufficient DUV lithography tools from ASML to support their growth plans for the next three years, despite increasing tensions and potential bans on exporting these older DUV tools to China.
The United States government is reportedly pressuring the Dutch government to completely halt tool exports to China. In a new bipartisan bill called the Multilateral Alignment of Technology Controls on Hardware (MATCH) Act, the US government is considering forcing allied countries to implement a technological ban on exporting even the older DUV machines.
This could mean that ASML might nearly cease all exposure to China, as the older DUV tools are targeted by US export restrictions. For ASML, this means that nearly one-fifth of its projected revenue for this year could suddenly disappear if the bill is passed. Read full story
