The release of the Chinese-developed AI chatbot **DeepSeek** has had impacts beyond just technological advancement. The core issue is that this chatbot was designed differently from Western market’s giant AI systems, and was made with far less cost and resources. This has caused a shock to the global stock market, including major Dutch semiconductor companies. Let’s delve into the details.

1. Situation of Dutch Semiconductor Stocks

① Stock Price Decline of Major Companies

The release of DeepSeek has caused a significant drop in the stock prices of major Dutch semiconductor companies.

• ASML Holding N.V.: The stock price plummeted by up to 9% during the day, later recovering some to close at €748.00.
• ASM International N.V.: Recorded a 10.71% decrease, reaching €580.00.
• BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (Besi): Fell over 10% initially, then stabilized at €125.75.

This decline is a result of uncertainty about the future of the semiconductor market and concerns about decreasing demand.

② Impact on Semiconductor Market

DeepSeek is showing efficiency in using fewer high-performance chips compared to existing AI, raising the possibility of decreased demand for high-performance semiconductors. This is a negative sign, especially for Dutch companies that are leading in semiconductor production technology.

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2. DeepSeek: Innovation of the Chinese AI Chatbot

① Development Cost and Technology

DeepSeek was developed with just $6 million, making it cost-efficient compared to Western AI systems. This is cited as an example that Chinese AI technology is no longer lagging technologically.

② Global Impact

• Market Share: Challenging the presence of US and European AI chatbots, it surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to rank first on the Apple App Store.
• Paradigm Shift in AI Technology: Developed by actively utilizing open-source technology, raising questions about whether the monopolistic investment strategies of US IT companies are efficient.

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3. Global Stock Market Reaction

① US Stock Market

Major US tech companies were also impacted by DeepSeek.

• Nvidia: Dropped by 12.5%.
• Meta, Tesla, Microsoft: All saw stock price declines.
• Nasdaq Composite Index: Fell by 3% (19,345 points).

② European and Global Impact

Following the US, the European market also saw declines, with technology-centric industries generally facing pressure. This suggests that existing technological leadership is threatened as emerging competitors like DeepSeek rapidly penetrate the market.

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4. Market and Strategic Perspectives

① Analyst Opinions

Charu Chanana of Saxo Markets pointed out, "The era where American AI dominance is the sole standard may be coming to an end." This suggests the possibility that existing players will face pressure to refine their positions with more sophistication and future-oriented strategies.

② Industry Response Strategies

• Efficient cost management and innovative technology development are emerging as key priorities.
• Semiconductor companies need to create a stable revenue structure by quickly adapting to market trends, rather than just focusing on product delivery.

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Conclusion

The emergence of DeepSeek is not just a technological innovation, but a new signal and warning for the global market. Western tech companies, including Dutch semiconductor firms, will need to respond to market reactions in the short term and, in the long term, devise strategies for survival in this new competitive environment. Amidst intensifying competition, it is crucial to have technological capabilities and efficiency that lead the changing AI technology paradigm.

*Source URL:
https://nltimes.nl/2025/01/27/dutch-semiconductor-stocks-tumble-chinese-ai-chatbot-launch