SiCarrier Shocks Chip Industry with Diverse Chip Equipment Debut at SEMICON 2025, Possibly Challenging ASML’s Hold

China’s largest chip equipment manufacturer, SiCarrier, has just made a significant leap in the chipmaking industry with a new suite of tools designed to elevate domestic semiconductor production.

SiCarrier’s Rise in China’s Semiconductor Landscape

Lately, China’s advancements in the semiconductor field have been remarkable, spurred by a determined push to diminish foreign influence. Companies like Huawei and SMIC have considerably contributed to setting up China’s chip production capabilities. Yet, SiCarrier, possibly backed by Huawei and specializing in crafting chipmaking tools, doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves. This changed recently at the SEMICON 2025 event in China, where SiCarrier revealed its latest line of equipment, emphasizing its intention not to be outpaced.

A Twitter post by user @zephyr_z9 showcased SiCarrier’s comprehensive new tool catalog, including Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) systems essential for integrated circuit manufacturing. Notably, the catalog omitted lithography tools, hinting that SiCarrier might be keeping developments in this area under wraps. These tools position SiCarrier as a contender against industry giants like ASML and Applied Materials, but their efficacy for China’s market is still unknown.

During the event, SiCarrier’s President, Du Lijun, highlighted their ability to produce 5nm chips with domestic tools. Still, the reliance on non-optical technology presents challenges in output yields, raising production costs compared to international counterparts. Collaborating with SMIC and Huawei, SiCarrier is committed to overcoming these hurdles, crucial for China’s goal of achieving chip production autonomy.

In an optimistic statement given to Reuters, Du Lijun suggested the possibility of tackling lithography challenges through innovative process equipment without solely relying on optical technologies.

The overarching strategy for SiCarrier is to reduce dependency on countries like the Netherlands, a major supplier of chipmaking technologies. We’ve previously reported on SiCarrier’s efforts with Huawei and the Shenzhen government to develop custom EUV prototypes utilizing laser-induced discharge plasma technology. This initiative marks a pivotal move towards China fabricating its own advanced EUV lithography tools, potentially the last hurdle in crafting state-of-the-art semiconductor nodes.