The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China continues to escalate, with Chinese original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) finding themselves caught in a dilemma due to internal and external pressures. According to industry sources, threats of tariffs exceeding 100%, blocked loopholes for origin circumvention, and policy uncertainties have forced many businesses to suspend acceptance of US orders while seeking market diversification to mitigate risks. However, a sluggish domestic market, painful transitions, and a volatile international trading environment leave these companies in a difficult position.

In a press release, Applied Materials announced it had acquired a 9% stake in Dutch semiconductor assembly equipment maker BE Semiconductor Industries, marking a deeper commitment to their four-year collaboration on hybrid bonding technology for advanced chip packaging.

ASML, the global leader in semiconductor lithography systems, posted a strong year-over-year revenue gain for the first quarter of 2025, alongside its highest gross margin in over a year. Yet a steep decline in orders, declining sales from China, and a more cautious tone from executives point to a potential turning point in its growth momentum.