ASML currently sells no chipmaking machines in Europe, executive says

ASML is currently not selling any of its chipmaking machines in Europe, according to Frank Heemskerk, the company’s executive responsible for global public affairs.

Heemskerk warned that Europe risks falling behind as the United States, China and India invest heavily in developing their domestic semiconductor industries. “We are not selling anything in Europe at all. That is because Europe is not investing, and no chip factories are being built here,” Heemskerk said.

According to the ASML executive, the United States, China and India are all trying to persuade the company to expand its operations in their countries.

ASML is a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain. The company is the only manufacturer of advanced lithography machines capable of producing the latest generation of chips.

Customers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics use the machines to print intricate transistor patterns onto silicon wafers. ASML’s technology therefore plays a crucial role in the global development of artificial intelligence.

The European Union is working on a revision of its Chips Act, which took effect in 2023 following the global semiconductor shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation was intended to increase Europe’s share of global chip production.

So far, however, the law has done little to spur the construction of new semiconductor factories in Europe. The European Court of Auditors concluded last year that the EU is unlikely to achieve its goal of doubling Europe’s share of the global chip market by 2030.

ASML and Brussels are looking for ways to strengthen Europe’s position in the global technology sector, make supply chains more resilient and boost demand for semiconductors.