Chinese Memory Makers Stock Up on Western DUV Machines for Three Years of Expansion

According to reports from the Financial Times based on a person with knowledge of the matter, Chinese memory makers CXMT and YMTC have successfully stocked up on enough deep ultraviolet (DUV) machines from Western machine maker ASML to support their expansion plans for the next three years. This development comes despite broader government and corporate pushes within China, including backing from Huawei, to eliminate foreign technology and bolster domestic production.

While domestic alternatives are reported to be a few years behind ASML's productivity levels, DUV machines remain heavily utilized throughout the global chipmaking industry. Although extreme ultraviolet (EUV) systems represent the newest generation of hardware—with companies like Samsung and TSMC transitioning toward high-NA EUV production by 2028 and 2030 respectively—older DUV technology continues to see widespread use. Unconfirmed rumors have previously circulated suggesting China might possess an EUV machine, raising concerns regarding ASML exports, though the Dutch manufacturer has denied those claims.

Equipped with three years' worth of DUV equipment, Chinese memory producers are positioned to continue expanding their fabrication plants and market presence. While much of CXMT's memory currently ends up in domestic products, Chinese memory has also begun appearing in RAM kits matching preferred specifications for gaming PCs in the West, introducing increased competitive pressure to Western memory manufacturers.