ASML Ceases Public Disclosure of DUV Sales to China

2025-01-21

Recently, the Dutch government decided to exclude the sales information of deep ultraviolet lithography machines (DUV) by ASML, the world's leading lithography equipment manufacturer, to China from the scope of disclosed sensitive export information. This decision has garnered widespread attention from the global semiconductor industry.

Reasons and Considerations Behind the Decision

The Dutch government stated that the primary reason for ceasing the disclosure of DUV sales data is to protect sensitive commercial information and prevent it from being leaked to competitors. Once disclosed, the sales data of DUV lithography machines can easily be traced back to specific companies, potentially revealing sensitive business secrets and posing risks to the enterprises involved. Additionally, under pressure from the United States, the Dutch government has categorized DUV lithography machines as "dual-use" items with military significance, requiring export licenses for their sale.

In September 2023, the Dutch government began to stop disclosing most of ASML's sales information to China. This policy adjustment was driven by pressure from the United States, which urged the Netherlands to restrict the export of advanced lithography machines to China. The Dutch government released a list of "dual-use" items in 2023, focusing on ASML's DUV lithography machines and stipulating that the export of these devices required a license. Although the EU requires the disclosure of license-granting situations for sensitive goods (such as extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, EUV), DUV devices were not included in this requirement, as disclosing such information could trace back to specific companies and leak commercial secrets.

Impact on the Semiconductor Industry

ASML's DUV equipment is crucial for the development of China's semiconductor industry. China is one of the world's largest semiconductor consumption markets, but its semiconductor industry still has a relatively low self-sufficiency rate and a high degree of external dependence. The Dutch government's decision may, to some extent, affect the transparency and stability of Chinese semiconductor companies' access to DUV equipment. However, it may also prompt China to accelerate the independent research and development of lithography machine technology.

Moreover, this decision by the Dutch government could have an impact on the stability and transparency of the global semiconductor supply chain. On one hand, for companies in other countries and regions that rely on ASML's DUV equipment, the cessation of sales information disclosure by the Netherlands may increase uncertainty in obtaining these devices. On the other hand, this decision may also lead other countries and regions to re-evaluate their own semiconductor industry security, potentially driving further adjustments in the global semiconductor industry landscape.

The Shadow of US-China Tech Competition

The Dutch government's decision is clearly closely related to the broader context of US-China tech competition. In recent years, the United States has attempted to curb the development of China's semiconductor industry through various means, including restricting US companies from exporting high-end semiconductor technologies and equipment to China, and pressuring other countries and regions to take similar measures. As an ally of the United States, the Netherlands faces a dilemma in the US-China tech competition.

Future Outlook

ASML's decision to stop disclosing sales data to China may be a reluctant move under the backdrop of US-China tech competition. However, the demand for lithography machines in the Chinese market remains substantial. If ASML wishes to maintain its competitiveness in the Chinese market, it must find a balance between policy requirements and commercial interests. Meanwhile, in the long run, the independent innovation of China's semiconductor industry will continue to advance, and the research, development, and application of domestic lithography machines will be key to future development.

In summary, ASML's decision to cease the public disclosure of its sales data to China reflects the complex situation of the global semiconductor industry under the pressure of technological competition and geopolitical tensions. This incident also serves as a reminder to companies worldwide that, in a globalized context, protecting commercial secrets while actively adapting to market changes and seeking new opportunities for development is essential.

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