South Korea and the Netherlands Extend Chip Collaboration from ASML Equipment Procurement to Next-Generation Technology

According to Nikkei Asia, the semiconductor cooperation between South Korea and the Netherlands is extending from ASML to a more comprehensive chip manufacturing chain. In March, SK Hynix signed a contract worth €6.9 billion with ASML to purchase EUV equipment, in order to consolidate its technological advantage in advanced processes.

ASML remains the core of chip cooperation between the two countries. It is the only company in the world capable of producing advanced EUV photolithography machines and is an important equipment supplier for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. However, Dutch Ambassador to Seoul, Peter van der Vliet, pointed out in an interview with Nikkei Asia that focusing solely on ASML would overlook the larger picture of cooperation between the two countries.

“Besides ASML, there are other major Dutch equipment manufacturers covering front-end and back-end equipment, as well as research institutions that maintain good relations with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.”

The Dutch companies he mentioned include ASM, BE Semiconductor Industries, and research institution TNO. Among them, ASM (not the same company as ASML) is a global leader in plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition technology, which is used for the atomic-level precise deposition of ultra-thin films on chips. ASM has established a research and development and production base in Hwaseong, south of Seoul, and further invested 136.2 billion won in December last year to expand its only integrated R&D and manufacturing base outside of Europe.

Next Stage of Cooperation Direction

The cooperation between the two countries is extending to the next generation of chip manufacturing technologies. Van der Vliet stated that photonic technology is expected to become a new focus of cooperation. This technology uses light instead of electrons to transmit and process data within chips, offering significant low-energy consumption advantages.

“The semiconductor industry itself places a high emphasis on reducing energy consumption, and photonic technology has great potential in this regard. However, more research is still needed to enhance its economic viability and make it ready for large-scale commercialization.”

Supply chain security remains an important background for cooperation between the two sides. Samsung Electronics pointed out last month that the rise in oil prices is driving up global maritime and air transport costs, putting pressure on the company's logistics strategies. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung posted on the X platform after his first call with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, stating that South Korea's manufacturing capabilities and the Netherlands' advanced equipment advantages can work together to help stabilize the global supply chain.

The two governments launched a joint semiconductor supply chain early warning system last year, monitoring potential disruption risks in real-time and coordinating responses. The system focuses on export control policies and key raw materials, including battery anode materials.