asml navigates ai boom amid export control headwinds

2025-03-06 asml

veldhoven, Thursday, 6 March 2025.
asml’s 2024 annual report reveals a complex landscape. ai investments are expected to drive demand for its euv lithography systems. These systems are crucial for creating advanced computer chips. us-led export restrictions to china are causing customer caution, however. china accounted for 36% of asml’s sales in 2024. this figure is projected to drop to around 20% in 2025. despite these challenges, asml forecasts sales between 30 billion and 35 billion euros for 2025.

Financial performance and sustainability

ASML’s 2024 annual reports highlight a commitment to sustainability, incorporating the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) for the first time [1][4][5]. The reports detail ASML’s business model, corporate governance, and financial performance [4][5]. ASML uses both US GAAP and IFRS-EU accounting standards [4][5]. CFO Roger Dassen emphasized the company’s dedication to developing tools for more powerful and energy-efficient microchips [7]. He also noted the collaboration with stakeholders for sustainable solutions and the record net sales of €28.3 billion in 2024 [7].

Export control impact and market dynamics

ASML acknowledges that macroeconomic uncertainties, including export controls, have led some customers to be cautious about capital expenditure [3]. These restrictions have become more complex, impacting ASML’s business and potentially leading to countermeasures from affected countries [3][6]. It has become more difficult to obtain US licenses for foreign workers [6]. There is an increasing risk that raw materials may become unavailable or restricted due to geopolitics [6]. Despite these challenges, ASML aims to power technology forward [1][4].

Strategic moves and leadership

ASML is taking steps to navigate the complex global landscape, including the appointment of former Dutch Social Affairs minister Karien van Gennip to its supervisory board [3]. The company has also brought on former French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire as a special advisor and former deputy Economy Minister Frank Heemskerk as Global Affairs Chief [3]. These strategic hires indicate ASML’s focus on understanding and managing the geopolitical and economic factors influencing its operations [3]. ASML has over 44,000 employees across the globe [1][4].

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annual report ai boost