On March 24, reports surfaced indicating that SK Hynix is set to invest a staggering KRW 11.9 trillion (equivalent to approximately $7.9 billion) in procuring extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems for chip manufacturing from ASML. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering its position in the next-generation memory chip market and catering to the burgeoning demand within the artificial intelligence sector. The order, which remains valid until 2027, stands as the largest of its kind, underscoring the global chip manufacturers' urgency to swiftly acquire cutting-edge semiconductor production tools.
Furthermore, this investment decision underscores the escalating rivalry between SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics in the high-end memory chip arena. Each EUV lithography machine commands a price tag of several hundred million dollars and serves as a pivotal component in the production of advanced DRAM and HBM chips. Notably, ASML's client roster also boasts industry giants such as Samsung and TSMC.