ASML CEO: NO RIVALS THREATENING CHIP TOOL MONOPOLY

Fouquet, who assumed the CEO role in 2024 after spending over a decade at the Dutch chipmaking equipment maker, spoke at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. The executive dismissed concerns about competition in the critical market for extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, which are essential for producing advanced computer chips. ASML holds a near-monopoly on EUV lithography equipment, controlling roughly 95% of the global market. This dominance gives the company significant leverage with major chip manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Samsung. Fouquet's remarks come as geopolitical tensions continue to shape the semiconductor industry. The U.S. and Netherlands have restricted exports of advanced chip-making equipment to China, citing national security concerns. Despite these pressures, ASML maintains its competitive edge through years of technological investment and development. The company's stronghold in the sector underscores the critical importance of chip manufacturing equipment suppliers in global semiconductor supply chains.