[News] ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet: U.S. EUV Export Ban Causes China’s Chip-Making to Lag by 10-15 Years

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According to Liberty Times, ASML President and CEO Christophe Fouquet discussed geopolitical issues in the semiconductor industry and China lagging behind the West in chip manufacturing during an interview with the Dutch media outlet NRC.

Regarding the U.S.’s ongoing restrictions on China’s semiconductor development, including the export ban on EUV lithography machines, Fouquet stated that prohibiting the export of these machines to China would cause the country’s semiconductor industry to lag 10 to 15 years. He noted that the ban is indeed effective, according to the report.

However, Fouquet stated that while the U.S. believes ASML should stop servicing and repairing machines in China, ASML takes a different stance. He explained that to prevent Chinese companies from independently maintaining the machines and potentially leaking sensitive information, ASML would like to keep control by continuing to service its machines in China.

When asked about the growing dominance of TSMC and the risks of relying on a single company, Fouquet argued that having only a few major players in the industry could actually foster innovation, as highlighted in the report.

He also expressed confidence in Samsung’s turnover. Regarding Intel, the report noted that Fouquet remarked on the industry’s hope for the company’s revival but cautioned that its future could face significant challenges if mistakes persist. Nevertheless, he underscored Intel’s strategic importance to the U.S., highlighting its critical role in sustaining domestic production of advanced chips for the U.S., as noted by the report.

As for whether the U.S. has underestimated the effort required to develop semiconductor technology, Fouquet pointed out that this is not unique to the U.S.—many underestimate what it takes to build a successful semiconductor company. According to the report, he explained that building a successful semiconductor company demands more than financial investment; it requires significant R&D and years of relentless effort.

Read more

• [News] ASML Reassures Long-Term Momentum, Projecting 8-14% Annual Revenue Growth through 2030
• [News] ASML CEO: China Might be Able to Produce 5nm and 3nm Chips amid U.S. Export Restrictions

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