In a rare interview, the CEO of ASML, a Dutch semiconductor equipment giant, pointed out that the shortage of supply in the chip market will persist for a long time due to the surge in demand for AI, satellites, and robots. Upon hearing this news, ASML's stock price surged by more than 6%, and chip manufacturing equipment stocks in Europe and the United States also strengthened simultaneously.
According to an exclusive report by Reuters, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet pointed out that the demand for chips driven by the AI, satellite, and robotics industries far exceeds production capacity constraints. The chip market is expected to reach a value of $1.5 trillion by 2030, and the company is continuously expanding production and enhancing production efficiency.
Fukai pointed out that the strong demand for AI and the limited supply situation will persist for a long time. He also stated that Musk's massive investment plan for the "TeraFab" chip factory and Starlink will drive a new round of demand.
Fukai predicts that product data for logic chips and memory chips manufactured using High-Numerical Aperture (High-NA) technology will be released this year; the company is also developing its second advanced packaging tool, which will facilitate the manufacturing of larger AI chips. The new products demonstrate the immense potential for diversified business development.

Fouquet also believes that Europe is lagging behind in the application of AI industry and should streamline red tape and reform relevant laws. He also hopes to establish clearer export rules towards China. In April, the US Congress proposed a new bill that may put pressure on ASML to prohibit the sale of DUV products to China.

ASML is the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment globally, holding a monopoly position in the advanced semiconductor equipment industry. Its major clients include TSMC, Intel, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, etc. Its outlook is also regarded as a barometer reflecting the demand of the semiconductor industry. ASML is also a leading company in terms of market capitalization in the European stock market.
In its latest report, UBS has listed ASML as a preferred semiconductor investment target, with the target price raised to €1,900 (approximately $2,200), representing an implied increase of over 40% compared to the latest closing price.
UBS is optimistic that AI chips will continue to face a supply shortage, and ASML, as a major semiconductor equipment supplier, will also continue to benefit from increased capital expenditures, with strong sales growth expected in the next 12 to 18 months.
ASML's American Depositary Receipt (ADR) surged 6.21% on the 20th, closing at $1,550; other semiconductor equipment stocks also strengthened simultaneously, with Applied Materials, Lam Research Corp., and KLA Corporation rising by 4.9%, 6.84%, and 5.11%, respectively; ASM International of the Netherlands and Be Semiconductor also closed higher.