Samsung and SK Hynix Race to Secure ASML EUV Tools as Chipmaker Equipment Runs Short

At a glance

Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are rushing to order extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines used to print semiconductors. ASML of the Netherlands has said supply will be short in 2027 and 2028, so securing a place in the delivery queue has become important.

Key points

1. 1

   SK Hynix disclosed in March that it would buy EUV equipment worth about 11.95 trillion won, with delivery expected by the end of December 2027.

2. 2

   Delivery times for the equipment have grown up to twice as long, so both companies are considering placing orders earlier.

3. 3

   Samsung Electronics has reportedly already placed an order for lithography equipment to be used at its P5 line in Pyeongtaek.

4. 4

   Back-end equipment makers also have orders backed up for two to three years.

Why it matters

If chip equipment is in short supply, it becomes hard to expand production of advanced DRAM, which could affect the supply and prices of memory used for AI.

Also reported by

• 한국사회복지저널삼성전자·SK하이닉스, ASML EUV 장비 확보 경쟁…각 10조~20조원대 투입