[micwag]

There is definitely some patent, exclusivity agreements and protectionism going on. But the bigger factor is, that the semiconductor supply chain is very deep and development is VERY expensive and long. In addition to that there was a major switch from lenses to mirror in the lithography system, so everything is very new.

I know of multiple suppliers down the supply chain which had to invest billions and had to wait 10 years before they even saw a penny.

There is a reason why everybody else essentially gave up.