ASML's EUV machines dominate as global chipmakers race for advanced semiconductors

ASML remains the sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, essential for producing the world's most advanced semiconductor chips. The Dutch company's technology is now in higher demand than ever, as global chipmakers race to meet surging market needs. Recent financial results show record growth, with net bookings more than doubling in late 2025.

ASML's EUV machines are unmatched in precision, using laser technology to etch patterns as small as 7 nanometers onto silicon wafers. These systems are not only highly specialised but also massive—each costs over $400 million and requires multiple Boeing 747 flights or heavy trucks for transport.

Five of the world's top chipmakers—TSMC, Samsung, Intel, SMIC, and GlobalFoundries—rely on ASML's equipment to produce 5-nanometer chips or smaller. TSMC in Taiwan, Samsung in South Korea, and Intel in the US use the machines directly for their most advanced nodes. Meanwhile, Chinese firm SMIC and GlobalFoundries access the technology indirectly through partnerships or alternative methods. The company's financial performance reflects its dominance. In 2025, ASML reported net sales of 32.6 billion euros, with a profit margin of 29.4%. Industry forecasts suggest the global semiconductor market will hit $2 trillion in sales by 2036, ensuring continued demand for ASML's machines as chip production expands.

ASML's position as the only EUV lithography provider secures its role in the future of semiconductor manufacturing. With chip demand climbing and no competitors in sight, the company's technology will remain critical for every advanced processor made. The latest financial figures confirm its central place in an industry set to double in size over the next decade.