China State-Backed Firm Starts DUV Lithography Mass Production

Domestic DUV mass production begins, targeting 20 units by 2027 for SMIC and ChangXin Memory. Global chip stocks plunge, with ASML and storage firms dropping over 8% on supply chain shift fears.

Woofun AI reports that a Chinese state-backed entity has commenced mass production of domestically developed Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) lithography equipment. The firm aims to manufacture approximately five units by 2026 and scale output to twenty by 2027. Initial deliveries are scheduled for SMIC, HSMC, and ChangXin Memory. This development follows ASML’s delivery of 131 immersion DUV systems last year.

Global semiconductor equities reacted sharply to the announcement. U.S. storage chip makers declined, with SanDisk down 12.9%, Western Digital 8.6%, Seagate 6.9%, Micron 6.6%, and SK Hynix 8.6%. Dutch firms ASML and Besi Semiconductor dropped over 8%, triggering trading halts, while Infineon also trended lower.