FT: CXMT and YMTC stockpile three years of ASML DUV machines

September 8, 2026 at 01:21 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Chinese memory chipmakers CXMT and YMTC have purchased enough ASML deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines to cover their expansion plans for the next three years, the Financial Times reported. The stockpiling comes as China races to secure equipment ahead of potential export restrictions. Domestic DUV maker Yuliangsheng is on track to produce 12 machines by the end of 2026.

Key Facts

CXMT and YMTC have purchased enough ASML DUV lithography machines to meet their capacity expansion plans for the next three years, according to the Financial Times.
Chinese DUV equipment maker Yuliangsheng aims to produce 12 DUV machines by the end of 2026.
Shanghai Aishengna Electronic Technology Group earlier planned to produce five DUV machines by the end of 2026 and 20 by the end of 2027.
Chinese firms are restricted from buying ASML's EUV machines but can still purchase older DUV equipment used for mature-node chips.
UBS estimates Chinese EUV technology could be up to ten years behind ASML, while progress in DUV is further ahead.

Stockpiling by CXMT and YMTC

CXMT and YMTC, two Chinese memory chip manufacturers, have bought enough DUV lithography machines from ASML to support their expansion plans for the next three years, the Financial Times reported. The ongoing memory chip shortage has increased attention on both firms due to their ability to serve domestic Chinese demand. China accounts for a substantial portion of ASML's orders while simultaneously developing local lithography machinery.

Domestic DUV Production

Yuliangsheng, a Chinese chip manufacturing equipment maker, is on track to manufacture 12 DUV machines by the end of 2026, according to the Financial Times. This estimate is higher than earlier reports that Shanghai Aishengna Electronic Technology Group would produce five DUV lithography machines in 2026. Yuliangsheng and Aishengna are closely related and have been reported to list the same Shanghai address for their operations. Chinese-made DUV equipment is not as popular with manufacturers as ASML's machines, the FT report noted.

Technology Gap and Export Limits

Chinese firms are prohibited from buying ASML's EUV machines but can still procure older DUV equipment used for most mature-node products. UBS recently estimated that Chinese companies could be as much as ten years behind ASML in EUV technology. Progress in DUV is further ahead, and some Chinese firms are researching methods to produce advanced chips without requiring the latest EUV technologies.