ASML to Implement Unified 10% Price Increase on Lithography Machine Components for Samsung and SK Hynix, Driven by AI Expansion Costs

BlockBeats News, October 10: According to Korean media reports, ASML has informed Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix that it will implement a unified 10% price increase on EUV and DUV lithography machine components for the Korean market. This adjustment covers consumable parts that require regular replacement and core components needed for fault repairs, including optical systems, light sources, and precision drive devices. After negotiations between the procurement departments of both parties, the two memory chip giants have accepted the price hike plan, which is expected to take effect in January next year. Such a comprehensive price increase is relatively rare. Previously, ASML typically adjusted prices individually for components affected by rising raw material costs or shortages of specific materials. Meanwhile, the company is negotiating with major clients regarding price increases for new equipment. According to earlier reports, equipment manufacturers such as Applied Materials and Tokyo Electron have also initiated product price hikes, signaling a spreading trend of price increases in the semiconductor equipment industry. Investments in AI data centers are driving memory chip and wafer foundry companies to expand production capacity, leading to concentrated demand for equipment and components. However, suppliers require time to scale up production, and combined with inflation and raw material cost pressures, bargaining power in the equipment supply chain is shifting toward suppliers. The report also noted that TSMC previously opposed ASML's equipment price hikes, indicating differing levels of acceptance among customers regarding rising costs. [Original Link]