China has seen a remarkable, record breaking surge in semiconductor equipment imports in the recent months, particularly from the Netherlands and Japan, as it braced for the latest export restrictions from U.S. and its allies. This proactive approach is seen to ensure the smooth expansion of its chip production, focusing primarily on advanced and mature process technologies not covered by Western curbs, reports Financial Times.
China's semiconductor equipment imports reached $5 billion in June and July, which is a 70% increase compared to $2.9 billion for the same period a year ago, according to the report that cites Chinese customs data. The bulk of these imports originate from the Netherlands and Japan. The spike is largely attributed to the impending export curbs set by these two nations prompting China to act swiftly to avoid potential disruptions of wafer fab equipment supplies.
