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China Acquires DUV Chipmaking Equipment Through Loophole

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By TaiwanPlus

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A US research group says China is exploiting a gap in US export controls to acquire hundreds of advanced chipmaking machines. Chinese fabs are expected to acquire 343 immersion DUV, or deep ultraviolet lithography, systems by early 2026, including 270 made by Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML.

China’s DUV Chip Loophole

REPORTER:  
A US research group says China is exploiting a gap in export controls to purchase hundreds of advanced chipmaking equipment.

REPORTER:  
The report says Chinese fabs by early 2026 are expected to acquire 343 immersion DUV, or deep ultraviolet lithography systems. That includes 270 made by Dutch giant ASML.

REPORTER:  
The report says these machines can produce advanced chips, including those used for AI. US export controls currently block high-specification EUV machines, but not DUV systems.

REPORTER:  
The report calls for a complete ban on DUV exports to China, plus tighter controls on parts and repairs.