The Dutch chip equipment manufacturer will be exempted from the new US tariffs, allowing chipmakers like TSMC and Samsung easy access to lithography machines in America.
ASML is Responsible For a Large Portion of Chip Equipment Going Into The US; Exemption Will Benefit US Chipmaking Ambitions
Well, the US and EU recently concluded on a trade deal, setting the tariff rates to the "baseline" 15% figure, along with potential 'hundreds of billions' in investments by the EU into America's energy sector. However, there are tariff exemptions with specific categories, and one of them includes semiconductors, according to a statement released by the European Commission. This means that US companies could import chip equipment and essentials into the nation without paying the extra costs to the government in form of tariffs, and this means great news for the likes of Samsung and TSMC.
Today we have also agreed on zero-for-zero tariffs on a number of strategic products. This includes all aircraft and component parts, certain chemicals, certain generics, semiconductor equipment, certain agricultural products, natural resources and critical raw materials
ASML is the leading chip equipment provider, and the Dutch firm deals in DUV and EUV lithography tools, along with several other products that are vital to the supply chain. More importantly, the company's High-NA EUV equipment is significantly essential for leading chip companies, since it drives the production of cutting-edge nodes. With no tariffs, ASML would be allowed to access American markets without any hurdles, and more importantly, give US chipmakers cutting-edge equipment without extra costs.
The Dutch company hasn't reported business activity with the US in its official quarterly reports, but it projects 2025 sales figures to be around €30 billion and €35 billion. Given the progress of the US chip supply chain in decent times, it does appear that ASML is seeing massive activity within the region. Moreover, US firms like Intel have also revealed intentions to install high-NA EUV equipment into their fabs, which costs a hefty price. It does seem like the tariff exemption would immensely benefit not just Intel, but firms like Samsung and TSMC.
News Source: Tom's Hardware
About the author: Muhammad Zuhair is a hardware and technology reporter for Wccftech, specializing in the semiconductor industry and the complex interplay between technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics. His coverage focuses on the corporate strategies and technological roadmaps of industry giants like TSMC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Intel. Zuhair's expertise lies in deconstructing complex topics such as fabrication nodes (e.g., 2nm process), the economic impact of policies like the CHIPS Act, and the strategic development of AI infrastructure from NVIDIA, AMD and Intel.
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