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Despite Export Ban on Equipment, China's Semiconductor Expansion in Mature Processes Remains Strong

TheLostSwede

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On June 30th, the Netherlands introduced new export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Despite facing export controls from the US, Japan, and the Netherlands, TrendForce anticipates the market share of Chinese foundries in terms of 12-inch wafer production capacity will likely increase from 24% in 2022 to an estimated 26% in 2026. Moreover, if the exports of 40/28 nm equipment eventually receive approval, there's a chance that this market share could expand even further, possibly reaching 28% by 2026. This growth potential should not be dismissed.

Several manufacturing processes including photolithography, deposition, and epitaxy will be subject to these recent export restrictions. Beginning September 1st, the export of all controlled items will require formal authorization. TrendForce reports that Chinese foundries have been primarily developing mature processes like 55 nm, 40 nm, and 28 nm. Furthermore, demand for deposition equipment can be largely met by local Chinese vendors, meaning concerns regarding expansion and development are minimal. The main limiting factor, however, remains the equipment used in photolithography.




TrendForce research indicates that businesses to be impacted first include SMIC's Beijing and Shanghai fabs, as well as Nexchip's A3/A4 fabs in Hefei. TrendForce assesses that Nexchip's Hefei fabs may experience far less disruption, as their short-term production focus remains on more mature processes. Conversely, SMIC's Beijing and Shanghai fabs may be forced to delay their expansion plans, pending permission for their equipment vendors to proceed with shipments.

The US Export Administration Regulations (EAR) is primarily aimed at limiting China's growth in advanced process, rather than mature ones. Although export regulations from the US, Japan, and the Netherlands cover equipment used across both mature and advanced process generations, it's namely equipment used in 45 nm to more advanced processes which will require inspection. However, mainstream equipment for mature processes ranging from 45-28 nm could potentially still require export authorization as well. Even though Chinese foundries will likely face a lengthy equipment review process, forcing them to delay their expansion plans for 40 nm and 28 nm processes, their ambitious positioning in the 28 nm market ensures their development pace remains strong.

It's worth noting that, while advanced processes such as 1Xnm are currently not the primary focus of Chinese foundries, China's potential for further development in this area is anticipated to face increased obstacles with the enforcement of more comprehensive export regulations.

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I 'aint 'rooting' for China, but I fully expect this 'pressure' to accelerate their developments.

In other words: the open sanctions/bans will probably 'backfire'.
 

TheLostSwede

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I 'aint 'rooting' for China, but I fully expect this 'pressure' to accelerate their developments.

In other words: the open sanctions/bans will probably 'backfire'.
It all comes down to how much money the government wants to throw at it.
It's going to cost them an insane amount of money to even get close to what ASML makes.
 
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It all comes down to how much money the government wants to throw at it.
It's going to cost them an insane amount of money to even get close to what ASML makes.
Probably but lucky for them, they have an insane amount of money
 
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I 'aint 'rooting' for China, but I fully expect this 'pressure' to accelerate their developments.

In other words: the open sanctions/bans will probably 'backfire'.
of course they will backfire and have serious consequences.
for asml and their parters the loss of half their customer base will be noticed long term even if demand is high at the moment.

there is no way china will take this laying down.
i have read they were considering something about rare earths
 
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While intel with rivers of subsidies stagnated at 10nm... Meh.

I bet even GF with the subsidies that intel won, could beat intel's current manufacturing processes. :)
 
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