ASML's EUV machines fuel the $2 trillion semiconductor boom by 2036

The global semiconductor industry is on track to hit $2 trillion in sales by 2036, and one company stands at its core. ASML, the sole provider of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, has seen record demand as chipmakers race to meet growing needs. Recent financial results show surging orders, with net bookings more than doubling in late 2025.

ASML holds a unique position in the tech world. Its EUV machines, each costing over $400 million, are the only tools capable of producing the most advanced chips. These enormous systems—so large they require multiple Boeing 747s or trucks to transport—use precise lasers to etch patterns as small as 7 nanometers onto silicon wafers. Every major semiconductor firm, from TSMC to Intel, depends on them.

The company's dominance looks set to continue. Replicating its technology is nearly impossible, ensuring its monopoly for years to come. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, net orders reached €13.2 billion, with €7.4 billion coming from EUV systems. By early 2026, over 10 next-generation High-NA EUV machines were already in the pipeline, with first deliveries heading to customers like imec, Intel, and Samsung. Demand is being driven by the AI boom, as companies like NVIDIA and AMD push for more powerful chips. Hyperscalers and foundries are expanding capacity, while advancements in sub-2nm structures require even more sophisticated equipment. ASML's 2025 net sales hit €32.6 billion, with a profit margin of 29.4%. Its backlog now stands at €38 billion, though risks like export restrictions to China remain.

ASML's role in the semiconductor supply chain is more critical than ever. With a €34-39 billion revenue forecast for 2026 and gross margins above 50%, the company is well-positioned to capitalise on rising demand. As chipmakers invest heavily in next-generation technology, its EUV machines will remain indispensable.