ASML: How a Dutch Company Became the World’s Most Important Chip Supplier

The Netherlands Remains at the Heart of the Global Chip Industry

The global semiconductor industry continues to revolve around a single company based in Veldhoven, Netherlands: ASML. As the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, ASML holds a position that no other company in the world can replicate. These machines — each costing upwards of $200 million — are essential for producing the most advanced microchips used in everything from smartphones to AI servers.

In 2026, ASML’s order backlog has grown to record levels, driven by surging demand from Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States. TSMC, Samsung, and Intel are all competing for the limited number of EUV systems ASML can produce each year. The company recently confirmed that its next-generation High-NA EUV systems — capable of printing features as small as 8 nanometers — are now in full production and shipping to customers.

Why ASML Matters More Than Ever

The geopolitical landscape has only amplified ASML’s strategic importance. With export restrictions on advanced chip equipment to China tightening throughout 2025 and 2026, ASML finds itself at the centre of a technology cold war. The Dutch government, in coordination with the US and EU, has implemented licensing requirements that restrict the sale of ASML’s most advanced systems to Chinese firms.

Despite these restrictions, ASML’s revenue continues to climb. The company reported €27.6 billion in revenue for 2025, and analysts project that figure could exceed €32 billion in 2026. The company employs over 42,000 people worldwide, with the majority based at its sprawling campus in Veldhoven.

The Dutch Tech Ecosystem

ASML’s success has created a thriving ecosystem of suppliers, research institutions, and startups across the Netherlands. Eindhoven’s Brainport region — anchored by ASML, NXP Semiconductors, and the Eindhoven University of Technology — has become one of Europe’s most dynamic technology clusters. The Dutch government recently announced an additional €2.5 billion investment package under “Project Beethoven” to expand infrastructure, housing, and talent development in the region.

For the Netherlands, ASML is more than a company — it is a national asset that cements the country’s position as a critical node in the global technology supply chain. As AI, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing drive ever-greater demand for cutting-edge chips, the small Dutch town of Veldhoven will remain one of the most important places in the tech world.