Samsung and SK Hynix are racing to secure billions of dollars in ASML EUV lithography equipment, underscoring the growing competition for advanced semiconductor manufacturing capacity. According to a November 8 report by ChosunBiz, industry estimates suggest their equipment commitments could range from $7 billion to $15 billion per company.
At an estimated $250 million per conventional EUV machine, investments of $7–15 billion could represent approximately 30–60 systems per company. For perspective, ASML recognized revenue on just 48 EUV systems worldwide in 2025.
THE EUV BOTTLENECK
SK Hynix has disclosed approximately $9 billion in EUV equipment purchases scheduled for delivery by the end of 2027. Samsung is also securing equipment for its expanding Pyeongtaek manufacturing complex.
ASML expects to increase EUV production capacity by approximately 30% in 2027, with another 30% expansion under consideration for 2028. Yet even these increases may not satisfy demand.
WHY IT MATTERS
Advanced DRAM manufacturing increasingly requires EUV lithography as memory manufacturers introduce more sophisticated processes to support high-bandwidth memory and other advanced products.
In semiconductor manufacturing, equipment availability can determine when a new factory begins production. Companies that secure delivery commitments early can gain a significant competitive advantage.
In advanced semiconductor manufacturing, securing ASML's scarce EUV equipment is becoming as strategically important as developing the technology itself.
#ASML #Samsung #SKHynix #Semiconductors #EUV
Jeffrey L. Cooper
Technology Analyst & Author
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