Although China is not known to be a major consideration in ASML's expansion plans, experts and social media users in the country appear to be projecting their grievances onto the European company.
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Xiang Ligang, founder of Beijing-based communications information portal CCTime.com, said ASML's consideration reflects disappointment over the poverty of business in China.
“The Dutch government bowed to US pressure and stopped ASML's export of deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems to China. This was a blow not only to China but also to ASML,” said Xiang, a Chinese microblogging platform. I wrote on Weibo.
“ASML's only solution is to look for a new location. If the Netherlands cannot protect the company's interests, ASML must look for another country that can provide protection.”
Chinese social media has weathered enough US-led pressure to restrict the company's sales to China, the world's largest semiconductor market and avid consumer of ASML products, that ASML has expanded beyond its borders. There is a lot of speculation that the company wants to expand its business.
But analysts say U.S. rules restricting sales of advanced DUV equipment to China will still apply even if ASML moves to other parts of Europe.
“Moving to France does not fundamentally change the situation for ASML in terms of export controls,” said Jan Peter Kleinhans, director of technology and geopolitics at the Berlin-based technology policy think tank Stiftung Neue Veranttwortung. says Mr.
ASML has not cited China as a possible reason for expanding its operations outside the Netherlands. The company declined to comment when contacted by the Post on Friday.
An ASML engineer, speaking on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media, said ASML's move to France is also not practical because ASML does not have suppliers or a large customer base in the country.
The official added that technically speaking, ASML is likely to move its facilities to Germany, but the overall likelihood of a move is low due to higher costs.
According to the company's website, ASML has three offices in Germany and one in France. When CEO Peter Wennink retires in April, he will be replaced by French national Christophe Fouquet.
With 13 offices across China, the company is one of the most important suppliers of lithography tools essential for advanced chip manufacturing. Last year, the company's system sales in China fell 15% due to stricter export regulations for advanced systems.
Still, ASML continues to receive strong demand in China for less advanced and mature node systems. China-based customers accounted for 29% of the company's total system sales last year, up from 14% in 2022.
Strong demand for chip tools in China boosts Lam Research and ASML earnings
Strong demand for chip tools in China boosts Lam Research and ASML earnings
Analysts say the most likely reason behind ASML's expansion plans is concerns about Dutch immigration policy, not China.
“All the fuss about ASML is [partial] The departure from the Netherlands should be seen primarily as part of a lobbying effort to keep ASML on track. [skilled] “I'm an immigrant,” says a Dutch technology writer. ASML architect.
According to a report by Dutch media outlet De Telegraaf, nearly 40% of ASML's 23,000 employees are from overseas. However, the Liberal Party won the election partly because of its anti-immigration stance.
According to a report by Reuters, the Dutch government is trying to persuade ASML to stay by addressing ASML's concerns, such as the supply of skilled workers.
