ASML CEO says there are no competitors in chipmaking equipment — and there won't be

Christophe Fouquet, who took over as CEO of ASML in 2024, gave an interview to TechCrunch at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. The main topic: confidence that ASML remains the only serious manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet lithography equipment, necessary for creating the world's most advanced microchips.

Why ASML Is Invaluable

ASML monopolizes the EUV scanner market — the most complex machines costing approximately $150 million each. These scanners are essential for manufacturing chips with 7 nm, 5 nm, 3 nm and even more advanced process nodes. Without them, it is impossible to manufacture modern processors, graphics cards, and AI accelerators. Intel, Samsung, TSMC, and other semiconductor giants are completely dependent on ASML's supplies. They cannot develop their own equipment — the technology is too complex, requiring decades of research and billions of dollars in investments. ASML has been creating its machines for over 30 years, consolidating the expertise of thousands of engineers.

Competition? There Is None

Although China and other countries are actively trying to develop their own EUV systems, no one will be able to replicate ASML's success in the near decade. The technological gap is at least 5–10 years. The situation is complicated by export restrictions. The US and its allies have imposed sanctions on supplying ASML's most advanced equipment to China, making American-European control even stronger. Without access to modern EUV scanners, China will not be able to catch up with Western countries in manufacturing advanced microchips. Fouquet cited several obstacles for potential competitors:

• R&D investment requirements — $3–5 billion over 10+ years
• Critical human capital — finding so many engineers is difficult
• Export bans on key components
• Growing demand that ASML barely manages to meet

Growing Geopolitical Role

Demand for EUV scanners is reaching record levels. All countries are rushing to develop their own AI chips and more powerful processors, and without ASML this is impossible. The waiting list for new machines already exceeds 3 years. This gives ASML rare negotiating power. The company can dictate terms to clients — from prices to political requirements. ASML is not just an electronics supplier; it is a chokepoint in the global technology supply chain upon which the development of AI, computing power, and the security of leading nations depends.

What This Means

ASML is a rare example of absolute monopoly in a critical global technology. Its position is impregnable as long as the company remains independent and does not come under pressure to transfer technologies to third countries. However, this monopoly makes ASML a target. Non-state actors and governments will certainly try to influence the company politically or economically. ASML will have to navigate between the interests of the US, Europe, China, and other powers — a challenging task.