Another semiconductor equipment giant warns, ASMI: lack of chips may affect the whole year

As the world’s largest chip makers scramble to expand capacity, semiconductor equipment companies have warned that delivery times for key machines could be delayed by a shortage of chips.

The Nikkei Asian Review reported on the 30th that Benjamin Loh, CEO of ASM International, a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer and material supplier, said in an interview that the impact of chip shortages may continue throughout this year.

ASMI develops and manufactures equipment mainly for front-end wafer processing, serving world-class semiconductor manufacturers located in Taiwan, the United States, South Korea and China.

The ASMI product supply chain does observe wafer shortages, Loh said. The equipment that ASMI supplies to the semiconductor market has a lead time of 4 to 6 months, but it is now “a lot longer”.

He said that for major customers such as TSMC, Intel Corp., and Samsung Electronics who have announced production expansion, ASML should be able to meet their needs this year, but if customers make plans or unexpected requirements, it will be difficult. will become higher. Loh admitted that he had never seen such severe supply chain restrictions since entering the semiconductor industry.

Loh pointed out that “simple chips” (also known as mature process chips) are the most in short supply. For example, microcontroller chips are not only used in washing machines and cars, but also in ASMI equipment. Everyone needs the same source of supply. However, capacity for many mature processes will not come online until next year.