According to a businesskorea report, Samsung Electronics Vice President Li Jae-yong is urging ASML executives to deliver the nine EUV lithography machines ordered by Samsung this year as soon as possible.

The report pointed out that Li Zayong met with ASML CEO Peter Wennink and CTO Martin van den Brink when he visited the Netherlands. Li Zairong asked ASML to deliver the EUV lithography machine one month in advance. For Samsung’s request, ASML is reportedly considering shipping in November at the earliest.

It is reported that ASML is the only manufacturer in the world that can produce EUV lithography machines, with an annual output of more than 40 units, and TSMC hopes to obtain full supply. EUV lithography machines are expensive, with an asking price of approximately US$130 million per unit. Because they are key equipment necessary for the EUV process, the competition between TSMC and Samsung Electronics has become increasingly fierce.

In order to fully catch up with TSMC, Samsung is rapidly introducing EUV lithography machines and expanding its foundry production lines. In May of this year, Samsung plans to invest 10 trillion won to build a foundry production line in the second plant in Pyeongtaek, and plans to start full operations in the second half of 2021. Hwaseong's V1 line was put into operation in 2019, dedicated to EUV process.

At this stage, ensuring the number of EUV lithography machines is Samsung's most urgent task. If the installation of EUV lithography machines is delayed, orders for the most advanced high-performance, low-power chips from global customers will flow to TSMC.