China

China’s Lithography Tech Is 15 Years Behind Western Equipment Suppliers

Frank Rohmund, head of Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology at Zeiss, estimates China is 15 years behind in chip manufacturing, specifically in developing EUV lithography machines.

AsiaAI Publisher · September 6, 2026 · 2 min read · Source: Electronics Weekly · Issue #88

Semiconductors & Hardware

What this means

Why it matters: The statement from a Zeiss executive holds weight because Zeiss is the sole source of optics for ASML’s EUV machines. This isn’t just an analyst’s opinion; it’s a view from a company at the heart of the most critical semiconductor manufacturing technology, indicating that China’s domestic efforts face fundamental hurdles that will take years, not months, to overcome. It suggests that China’s focus on mature process nodes and DUV will remain the primary strategy for the foreseeable future.

For Western readers: Western businesses considering China’s long-term semiconductor capabilities should plan for a sustained gap in advanced node fabrication for at least the next decade, ensuring continued reliance on Taiwanese, Korean, and other non-Chinese foundries for leading-edge chips.

What to watch: Monitor reports on the actual performance and production capabilities of China’s domestically developed immersion DUV lithography tools as they emerge.

This story ran in Issue #88, alongside three other stories.

Frank Rohmund, head of Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology at Zeiss, estimates China is 15 years behind in chip manufacturing, specifically in developing EUV lithography machines. Swiss bank UBS analysts also found China’s EUV technology is comparable to ASML’s 2004 capabilities, while Chinese suppliers are currently focused on previous-generation immersion DUV tools.

This assessment from a key supplier in the lithography ecosystem reinforces the Western narrative about China’s persistent struggle to achieve self-sufficiency in advanced semiconductor manufacturing despite significant state investment. It suggests the US-led export controls on lithography equipment are having their intended long-term effect.

For the wider picture, see China Semiconductor Ecosystem.

Source

China 15 years behind in IC process technology

Electronics Weekly

This story appeared in AsiaAI.FYI Issue #88.

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