ASML Predicts Stable Sales Despite US Chip Export Restrictions to China

The Dutch chip equipment manufacturer ASML has announced that it does not foresee any significant impact on its financial guidance following new US restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. The company has been analyzing these new limitations, which were made public recently, and is confident about its long-term demand outlook.

The Dutch government, in alignment with US security concerns, is reviewing the latest rules regarding the export of advanced tools for semiconductor manufacturing. ASML responded by affirming its previous financial forecasts, which stated that it expects group sales to be between 30-35 billion euros (about US$31.5-36.7 billion) in 2025. Notably, they anticipate that approximately 20 percent of these sales will originate from China, a decrease from the nearly 50 percent reported in the current year.

ASML highlighted that these new US regulations may limit their ability to sell deep ultraviolet lithography systems to specific chipmaking facilities in China, should the Dutch government decide to enforce them. The recent US directives represent the third instance in three years of Washington increasing its scrutiny over China's semiconductor sector. The new rules are aimed at regulating equipment makers and curtailing exports to 140 Chinese firms, including added subsidiaries of the country's leading bespoke chip producer, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation.

ASML, China, US