Dutch chip equipment manufacturer ASML and tech giant Samsung Electronics have announced a joint investment of 1 trillion South Korean won ($760 million) to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing plant in South Korea.
The strategic alliance was unveiled during the four-day visit of South Korean President Yoon Sook-Yeol to the Netherlands, aiming to fortify a robust “semiconductor alliance” between the two nations, as reported by CNBC. ASML, globally renowned as the sole producer of ultraviolet lithography machines crucial for crafting state-of-the-art chips, holds a key role in powering devices like the latest Apple iPhones, manufactured by Taiwan’s TSMC.
Samsung, holding the title of the world’s largest producer of dynamic random-access memory chips prevalent in consumer gadgets like smartphones and computers, will leverage ASML’s cutting-edge machines to manufacture swifter and more efficient chips than its counterparts.
During Tuesday’s visit to ASML’s headquarters, President Yoon, alongside King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, explored a production site dedicated to next-generation electric cars. Yoon emphasized that the visit aimed to establish a well-organized institutional structure, fostering intensive collaboration within global semiconductor supply chains. This initiative comes at a crucial juncture when semiconductors evolve into strategic assets, and geopolitical risks tied to global supply chains escalate. The ASML-Samsung partnership not only reflects technological prowess but also signals a significant stride towards securing the future of semiconductor innovation and supply chain resilience.
