China buys used semiconductor manufacturing equipment

With tensions between China and the United States likely to persist for the foreseeable future, Chinese companies have turned to older technologies to increase their semiconductor capabilities and reduce dependence on US imports.

With the United States at its discretion at any time to restrict access to modern components with the help of sanctions, Chinese manufacturers considered that semiconductor products manufactured using the most modern technological processes are not necessary in all areas of application. In addition, there is a significant shortage of semiconductor products in the world (according to the source, it reaches 30%).

China buys used semiconductor manufacturing equipment

As a result, used semiconductor manufacturing equipment, which some sources say was “useless a few years ago,” is being scattered from storage warehouses to production facilities as quickly as possible.

The lithographic equipment purchased (apparently 90% of it goes to China) is mainly designed for 200mm plates, while the industry has already switched to 300mm plates. This demand has prompted companies such as Canon to re-release 200mm plate lithography equipment that was discontinued nine years ago.

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