ASML: No special edition Stepper is launched to the Chinese market

Recently, sources reported that the Netherlands has launched and is about to implement export restrictions, and ASML may release an adjusted version of its TWINSCAN NXT: 1980 series DUV lithography tools to reduce its impact on Chinese chip manufacturers and meet the Dutch ban on exporting manufacturing processes below 28 nanometers to Chinese customers.

In response to this, ASML pointed out to iJiWei that ASML has always complied with applicable laws and regulations, and we have not launched a special version of Stepper for the Chinese market.

It is reported that on June 30, the Dutch government issued the latest regulations on the export control of semiconductor equipment, which some media understood as the upgrading of Stepper control over China to all DUVs. In fact, these new export control regulations target advanced chip manufacturing technologies, including the most advanced deposition equipment and immersion lithography systems.

ASML emphasized in a statement to Jiweiwang that the new export control regulations issued by the Dutch government only cover some of the latest DUV models, including TWINSCAN NXT: 2000i and subsequent infiltration lithography systems. EUV Stepper has been restricted before, and the shipment of other systems is not controlled by the Dutch government.

The newly issued control regulations came into effect on September 1st this year, and now ASML can start submitting export license applications. After September 1st, the export of equipment models covered by the control regulations needs to submit an export license application to the Dutch government, which will decide whether to approve the granting of a license. "ASML told Jiweiwang.