The rush for EUV equipment
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly considering investments on the order of 10–20 trillion won each to purchase extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines manufactured by ASML. The figure, reported by South Korean media outlet ChosunBiz and relayed by IT之家, corresponds to approximately 491–983 billion yuan at the exchange rate indicated by the source. This is a wide range, referring to purchase plans not yet formalized for either group.
The stated rationale is the need to increase capacity at semiconductor fabs. The two companies are among the most obvious beneficiaries of the current demand cycle linked to artificial intelligence and regard EUV machines as a decisive element for growing production.
SK Hynix’s already confirmed commitment and Samsung’s plans
Last March, SK Hynix confirmed an order with ASML worth 11.95 trillion won, spread over the 2026–2027 two-year period. The company also expects to open the first cleanroom at its Y1 facility in Yongin in February 2027.
Samsung, for its part, has stated its intention to use High NA EUV technology for mass production of DRAM memory by 2028. For the Pyeongtaek P5 site, installation of the equipment would be expected in mid-2027. These schedule indications come from the same journalistic reconstruction and not from official communications included in the material.
Long lead times and verification of the numbers
One factor that would explain the acceleration in orders is the generalized lengthening of delivery times for semiconductor equipment. Booking machines in advance would allow the two companies to meet their planned production start. The source also links the choice to the context of strong demand for ASML tools, with orders that according to a cited article could extend to 2030.
However, several elements remain to be clarified: the 10–20 trillion won range is not attributed separately to the two companies, nor is a precise time horizon indicated for the purchases beyond the one already set by SK Hynix. It is also not specified whether the figures include only the machines or also other services. The data should therefore be considered indicative until confirmed by the companies or by ASML.
