The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML's "Relocation"

Tech 2024-08-19 09:55:15 Source: Network

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML's "Relocation"Why is the "Grandmaster" of the Chip Industry "Leaving"?ASML's presence is crucial to the chip industry. Without it, global chip production would grind to a halt

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML's "Relocation"

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

ASML, the absolute leader in the global lithography equipment industry, is planning to leave its long-time home base in the Netherlands. Despite the Dutch government's hefty 2.5 billion offer to retain the company, ASML remains resolute. What story lies behind this move? Could China be ASML's new home?

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Why is the "Grandmaster" of the Chip Industry "Leaving"?

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Chip manufacturing, in simple terms, is about "engraving" circuits onto silicon wafers. This precise, nano-scale operation relies on lithography machines, the "divine tools" of the industry. However, manufacturing lithography machines is no easy feat, requiring cutting-edge technology in optics, precision mechanics, electronic control, and more. Only a handful of companies worldwide can produce these machines, with ASML being the standout, particularly in the high-end EUV lithography technology, where it holds a dominant position.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

ASML's presence is crucial to the chip industry. Without it, global chip production would grind to a halt. The Netherlands should be cherishing this "golden goose," yet reality reveals the harsh truth of the inability to retain talent.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The Dutch Government's "Self-Sabotaging" Actions

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Recent Dutch government policies have chilled ASML's heart. From eliminating tax deductions for technical migrants to restricting foreign student admissions, a series of measures seem to target ASML directly.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The lithography industry is a talent-intensive sector, and the Netherlands' domestic talent pool clearly cannot meet ASML's needs. 40% of the company's employees are foreigners, many of them technical migrants, and the Dutch government's immigration policies have effectively "strangled" ASML. Without a continuous flow of talent acquisition and training, even the most advanced technology will falter.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The Dutch Government's "Sugar-Coated Bullets"

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Seeing ASML's firm resolve to leave, the Dutch government panicked. To win back this "golden patron," they've poured 2.5 billion into attempts to entice ASML to stay, offering real money to soften the blow. This massive sum will be used to improve infrastructure around ASML's headquarters and provide the company with tax incentives.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

However, ASML doesn't buy into the Dutch government's "sugar-coated bullets." What they need is a more open and inclusive policy environment, not something money can solve. The government's policy adjustments only address the symptoms, not the root cause, and are merely a "temporary fix."

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The "Relocation" is Not Impulsive

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

ASML's departure is not a sudden decision, but a strategic choice after careful consideration. The Dutch business environment has already led many giants to abandon the country. As early as 2020, Unilever, the consumer goods giant, relocated its headquarters to the UK, followed by Shell, the energy behemoth, in 2021, even discarding the title of "Royal Dutch."

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

This exodus of multinational companies signifies a severe deterioration in the Dutch commercial environment. The declining attractiveness of the tax policy, the shortage of highly skilled workers in the labor market, the rising labor costs, coupled with intensified international competition, have weakened the Netherlands' advantages, making it unsurprising that these enterprises are seeking alternative destinations.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Where Will ASML's "New Home" Be?

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

For nations eager to secure a foothold in the semiconductor industry, ASML is a "hot commodity," a prize every nation wants to claim. So, where will ASML ultimately choose to "settle down"?

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

China: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

China has been aggressively investing in its semiconductor industry in recent years, achieving rapid growth and striving for self-reliance in chip manufacturing. This presents a powerful lure for ASML. Moving to China would offer ASML vast market access and growth opportunities.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

However, if ASML opts for China, it will inevitably face pressure from the US and Europe. The US has been actively trying to suppress China's chip industry development, inevitably affecting industry growth. For China, seizing this opportunity to strengthen its technical cooperation with ASML, importing their advanced technology and management expertise, would accelerate the development of China's semiconductor industry.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The US: The Technology Leader Faces Challenges

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

As the global leader in technology, the US possesses ample financial and technological resources, giving it capital to attract ASML. However, the US government's policies targeting Chinese tech companies could make ASML hesitant. Simply restricting exports will only force Chinese enterprises to accelerate their independent research and development, ultimately harming ASML's own interests.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

France: Political and Economic Considerations

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

France could be another good fit for ASML. In the global political and economic landscape, France has consistently maintained its position. In the Huawei 5G issue, faced with US pressure, almost all European countries reluctantly took sides, but France stood firm, continuing its partnership with Huawei.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

Other Countries: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and other nations are also actively developing their semiconductor industries, extending olive branches to ASML. This relocation saga presents a valuable opportunity for any country. Whoever can provide ASML with a more attractive development platform stands a better chance of gaining an edge in future technological competition.

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

The Choice of Technology Companies: Markets, Talent, and International Politics

The Dimming Light of the Netherlands: The Game Behind ASML

ASML's "relocation" incident clearly demonstrates that technology companies, when choosing their development paths, must consider not only markets and talent but also the complex international political environment. Government policies, like a "double-edged sword," can both nurture business growth and become obstacles to progress.

The Future: Opportunities and Challenges Coexist

Where will ASML ultimately relocate? This question weighs heavily on many minds. One thing is clear: no matter where ASML goes, it will have a huge impact on the global technology industry landscape. Competitors, supply chain partners, top tech talent everyone will be caught in this "earthquake."

As for China, our task is to resolutely pursue an open and collaborative path, embrace the world with an even more open attitude, attract talent with greater inclusivity, and drive technological innovation with more pragmatic measures. We will win the future!

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