ASML targeted in latest round of US tariffs
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European and Japanese suppliers of semiconductor equipment are set to be targeted in the next round of tariffs by the US.
The Bureau of Industry and Security at the US Department of Commerce is requesting public comments on a national security investigation on the import of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
This is part of a clear strategy to bring leading edge lithography IP to the US, as highlighted in eeNews Europe back in October 2024. This is also expected to inform the next round of tariffs on semiconductors in the next few weeks, with more emphasis on imports of fab equipment.
Early analysis of the current tariffs could cost US semiconductor equipment makers such as Applied Materials, Lam Research and KLA as much as $350m each a year, says Reuters.
The investigation is specifically looking at semiconductor equipment that is manufactured abroad and faces limited competition from US-made products. This is clearly targeted at deep UV (DUV) and extreme UV (EUC) lithography systems from Dutch supplier ASML that are used for leading edge processes below 10nm.
- $1bn US centre for EUV lithography
- ASML, imec open high NA lithography lab
- Applied Materials takes stake in Dutch firm
Eric Longnecker, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Technology Security is looking at the impact of current trade and other policies on domestic US semiconductor and semiconductor manufacturing equipment production and capacity, and whether additional measures, including tariffs or quotas, are necessary to protect the US national security. It is specifically asking what product types and node sizes could be built only using equipment from US companies and what parts or components are only available outside the United States.
It is also asking for comments on “the potential for export restrictions by foreign nations, including the ability of foreign nations to weaponize their control over semiconductors and SME supply chains.”
ASML declined to comment on the issue when approached by eeNews Europe.
This comes after the US announced $1bn for an EUV research centre in Albany, New York, where ASML is a partner. The US government says access to EUV lithography R&D is essential to extend US technology leadership, reduce the time and cost to prototype, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce ecosystem.
ASML saw total net sales of €7.7bn in the first quarter of 2025, with profits of €2.4bn. It has booking of €3.9bn, with nearly a quarter in EUV at €1.2bn, indicating significant growth. “In the first quarter, we shipped our fifth High NA system, and we now have these systems at three customers,” said CEO Christophe Fouquet. It expects total net sales for the year to be between €30bn and €35bn.
However the US tariffs are creating uncertainty at a time when the semiconductor industry is recovering.
“Our conversations so far with customers support our expectation that 2025 and 2026 will be growth years. However, the recent tariff announcements have increased uncertainty in the macro environment and the situation will remain dynamic for a while,” said Fouquet.
“Artificial intelligence continues to be the primary growth driver in our industry. It has created a shift in the market dynamics that benefits some customers more than others, contributing to both upside potential and downside risks as reflected in our 2025 revenue range.”
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