Investment volume has increased instead of falling, and SMIC has "told a lesson" to TSMC! With the continuous upgrading of chip rules, cooperation among international semiconductor companies has gradually decreased, and the overall environment of the downward chip market is not g

exceeded 45.6 billion! The investment amount has not decreased but increased, and SMIC has "told a lesson" to TSMC!

With the continuous upgrading of chip rules, cooperation among international semiconductor companies has gradually decreased, and the overall environment of the downward chip market is not good. Affected by the reduction in sales of mobile phones and computers, the actual demand for high-end chips has continued to decline. TSMC and US companies that are obsessed with advanced processes have suffered greatly. The problem of

chip inventory has spread to various US companies and can only "cut orders" on chips. Currently, the main source of revenue 7nm production capacity has been reduced to 50% in utilization. TSMC has had to reduce its expenses and suspended new construction and expansion of factories.

and SMIC received good news. It officially announced that its capital expenditure will increase to 45.6 billion yuan this year, and it intends to continue to expand its 28nm production capacity. On the other hand, TSMC has also tried to connect to 28nm production capacity at the 7nm factory of Kaohsiung . What kind of market trend does this mean?

TSMC was taught a lesson

In the context of the global chip market "recession", major chip companies are reducing their investment amount. Similar to SK Hynix announced that its capital expenditure will be reduced next year by 70% to 80%, which is equivalent to stopping all production expansion plans. TSMC has also reduced twice this year, from the original US$44 billion to US$36 billion, and a number of US companies are also following!

However, in this context, SMIC has gone the other way and continuously increased its capital expenditure within the year. It officially announced: "Capital expenditure within the year will increase from the original 32 billion yuan to 45.6 billion yuan!" Faced with the incomprehension of everyone, the person in charge has also given a corresponding explanation.

SMIC said that the reason why the investment amount was greatly increased was mainly to pay the equipment advance payment and ensure the layout of subsequent production capacity. The reason is also very simple. Affected by the special global environment, ASML manufactures the raw materials for lithography machine , which is correspondingly difficult to obtain, and the price has also risen a lot, so naturally more deposits are required.

Although ASML has stated: "I will not give up the Chinese market!", it is inevitable that the United States will use any tricks behind the scenes. Therefore, it is naturally necessary to take advantage of this "retreatment period" to introduce more DUV lithography machines as much as possible. It is reported that a large part of this 45.6 billion yuan is used for lithography machine procurement, and placing an order in advance will help gain more initiative.

After the start of layout in smart cars, Internet of Things and other industries, the demand for mature chips has been rising. There were already such signs a few years ago, and the academicians repeatedly called for: "We must focus more energy on the layout of mature processes." SMIC, which listened to the advice, vigorously deployed 28nm production capacity, and now it has made a lot of money.

, and Liu Deyin stated: "The mainland market is not important, and it has no intention to de-beautify the layout of production capacity. Technology leadership and ultimate technology are the most important!" After went to the United States to build a factory, it devoted itself to please American companies and gradually lost mainland customers. Its current share is less than 8%, while US companies account for 72%, and a high dependence situation has been formed.

Faced with changes in the chip market environment, TSMC's 7nm capacity utilization rate is less than 50%, so employees can only be encouraged to go home for more vacations and rest. In order to save expenses, it will also shut down some EUV lithography machines. SMIC has made a lot of money. It is impossible for TSMC to restore its position in the mainland market. Not listening to advice has led to a good lesson. Will SMIC’s advance payment be wasted?

When the US asked to stop supplying DUV lithography machines, ASML was extremely tough in its attitude, insisting on comprehensively deploying the Chinese market, and responding to the action. In the first quarter alone, 23 lithography machines were shipped, totaling 78, and correspondingly established R&D and maintenance centers, and intending to expand the number of Chinese employees to 1,700.

, and SMIC had booked an EUV lithography machine at a high price a long time ago, but after three years of tossing, there was no news of shipment. It was not until ASML responded in 2022, and it was affected by relevant restrictions that it could not be shipped.

Many people are worried about whether SMIC will repeat this mistake by paying so much advance payment in advance, but obviously this situation is too much of a concern. The person in charge of ASML stated: "DUV lithography machines are very mature technology, and shipments are not subject to any conditions, and there is no need to obtain authorization!"

Although the United States has not given up further restricting the shipment of DUV lithography machines, it is limited to the level of pressure. It is unlikely to say that it is completely "fighted". After all, US companies still rely highly on ASML's cutting-edge lithography machines. Whether they can obtain priority directly depends on whether Intel can rise again.

Therefore, before Intel restores its expected status, the importance of ASML is self-evident. With the trade-offs and cons, the US will not do this. ASML can maintain a certain shipping stance in the short term, and SMIC pays the money in advance to avoid worries.

No matter what, this time SMIC wins. The subsequent global technology will develop towards interconnection and interconnection, and only requires more mature technology of about 28nm. Although advanced technology is indispensable, it will not be underestimated by big materials. What do you think about this?