ASML – Zero European Sales & EU Demand Creation Call (2026)

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## Overview ASML, the Dutch lithography equipment maker critical to global chip manufacturing, says it sold "absolutely nothing" in Europe in 2026 and is calling on the EU to help create demand (Tom's Hardware, September 25). ## Context This statement highlights the stark imbalance in global semiconductor manufacturing capacity, with ASML's business overwhelmingly dependent on Asian (particularly Taiwanese, Korean, and Chinese) fabs rather than European chipmakers. It comes amid broader EU discussions about semiconductor sovereignty, the EU Chips Act, and concerns about Europe's declining position in advanced chip manufacturing (related: Nexperia/ASML Discord – Netherlands-China Trade Relations, US Concerns Over Advanced Chip Tool Access by China). ## Why It Matters ASML's comments underscore a structural problem for European industrial policy: despite controlling critical lithography IP, the EU lacks sufficient domestic demand from advanced chip fabs to justify meaningful ASML sales at home. This feeds into broader debates about European competitiveness, deindustrialization, and reliance on Asian and US semiconductor ecosystems. ## What to Watch - EU policy response, including potential subsidies or Chips Act 2.0 - Whether any European fabs (e.g., Intel, TSMC's planned European sites) begin significant ASML orders - ASML's Q4/annual earnings commentary - Broader European reaction to his call for demand-side industrial policy