Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
ASML - statistics & facts
As an important market in the global semiconductor industry, Europe is a leader in research and development activities, advanced materials, and manufacturing equipment. A shining light of the European chip ecosystem is the Netherlands-based firm ASML, the largest European semiconductor company in terms of market capitalization. ASML is the leading manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) equipment, the most advanced systems with the capability of developing the most powerful chips.
ASML supplies machines for chips across a wide spectrum
ASML offers a comprehensive portfolio of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and services, from the latest logic and memory chips through to cost-effective mature chip technologies. In the production of ultramodern chips, ASML’s solutions are used by the likes of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest semiconductor foundry. In 2023, ASML saw revenues rise to 27.6 billion euros, a 30 percent increase from the previous year, with the company’s activities supported by investment in research and development of four billion euros in that same year.ASML has a strong presence across Asia
With TSMC as one of ASML’s leading customers, it comes as no surprise to see a large share of ASML’s revenue coming from Taiwan. South Korea, too, ranks highly in terms of foundry revenue generation, in line once more with ASML’s geographical breakdown and emphasized by the company’s strong relationship with Samsung. China has also proved an important market for ASML, however, with recent announcements between governments to restrict exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, this could prove to have its challenges moving forward.ASML is not immune to geopolitical pressures placed on the semiconductor industry
As governments look to safeguard the supply of semiconductors and maintain technology security, regulatory changes made by the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands have forced ASML to readjust to changing market environment due to these new regulations. ASML already faced restrictions on the export of its most advanced EUV machines. New rules, enforced at the beginning of September 2023, require the company to apply for a permit for at least three types of its machines that use less advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV). China’s position is significant for ASML, with the region showing strong demand for DUV systems that had previously faced fewer restrictions placed upon them.ASML as an AI champion
While ASML has downplayed the impact on annual sales for 2023, the company has suggested it could be a different story from 2024 onwards as exports of DUV and other equipment face greater controls. Nonetheless, the company remains positive, highlighting ASML’s importance in supplying the world with advanced chips that support artificial intelligence, a demand that will drive the semiconductor market’s future.
