ASML and the Chip Machine Monopoly

How Dutch company ASML became the only maker of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines needed for advanced chips, and export controls on sales to China.

ASML is one of the world’s most important tech companies.

What it makes

Lithography machines that print tiny circuits onto chips.

EUV monopoly

ASML is the only company making extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines, needed for the most advanced chips.

Cost

Each EUV machine costs well over $100 million and needs several aircraft to ship.

Customers

TSMC, Samsung and Intel.

Export controls

Under US pressure, the Dutch government restricted sales of advanced machines to China from 2023.

Supply chain

ASML depends on suppliers like Zeiss in Germany for optics.

The shipping crates

A single EUV machine is shipped in dozens of crates to Taiwan and assembled on site.

Thinking chip technology is only American or Asian

A Dutch firm holds a key monopoly.

Key takeaways

ASML makes lithography machines.
It alone makes EUV machines.
Each costs well over $100 million.
Exports to China are restricted.