ASML CEO: one more tool hit by US export rules, China demand seen strong
- ASML expects demand from Chinese chip makers to remain strong, despite the growing list of export restrictions imposed by the US and Dutch governments
- Sales to China in the third quarter amounted to 46 per cent of ASML’s total, amid weaker demand from other regions and a rush by Chinese customers
The chief executive of Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML Holding said on Wednesday that one more of its products falls under new export restrictions announced by the US this week.
At a press conference following the company’s third-quarter results, CEO Peter Wennink said he expects demand from Chinese chip makers to remain strong, despite the growing list of export restrictions imposed by the US and Dutch governments.
Wennink said that one additional ASML product not covered by Dutch export licensing rules introduced this year can now be restricted under the new US export rules announced on Tuesday.
The product, ASML’s 1980Di tool, can be used to help make both relatively advanced computer chips, as well as mid-range and older chips.
US waiver of tech restrictions to Samsung, Hynix handicaps China’s chip makers
“In principle the 1980s would fall under the export control restrictions, but only when … (they) are used for advanced semiconductor manufacturing,” Wennink said.
Only a handful of Chinese plants would be considered “advanced”, he said.
ASML dominates the market for lithography equipment, used by chip makers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Samsung Electronics and Intel Corp to help create the circuitry of chips. Mainland China is ASML's third-largest market after Taiwan and South Korea.
But sales to China in the third quarter amounted to 46 per cent of ASML’s total, amid weaker demand from other regions and a rush by Chinese customers to ensure they have tools before Dutch restrictions fully bite.
“I don’t think we will see a peak this year, I think there will be a significant amount of demand coming out of China for mature technology,” Wennink said.
He added that the export restrictions impact around 15 per cent of ASML’s sales to China.
Earlier on Wednesday, ASML warned that 2024 sales may be flat as chip makers delay capital spending amid an uncertain economic backdrop.
