By Kate Yuan

(JW Insights) Nov 9 -- Japan's Nikon recently decided to export to China mature process lithography machines that is not subject to export restrictions, actively expanding into the Chinese market, NIKKEI reported on November 9.

Mr. Masato Hamatani, head of Nikon's precision equipment business, stated that they are discussing with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and believe that there are no issues with the new lithography machines, and they will actively sell them in the Chinese market.

Currently, ASML holds the top position with a market share of 62% in the global lithography machine market, followed by Canon with a share of 31%. Nikon ranks third with a share of only 7%.

Nikon has decided to release a new product in 2024, marking the reintroduction of mature technology lithography machines after 24 years. The new machine will use i-Line light source technology and can be used for manufacturing power semiconductors that require durability. Overseas analysts believe that Nikon will use universal electronic components in the new product, making it 20% to 30% cheaper than Canon.

Nikon expects its consolidated profit for the fiscal year 2023 (ending March 2024) to decrease by 22% year on year to Ұ35 billion ($231.91 million). Currently, Nikon's precision equipment business is also a pillar in addition to its imaging business. In the fiscal year 2023, Nikon's camera sales were strong, but the precision equipment business performed poorly.