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ASML says it sold 'absolutely nothing' in Europe in 2026

402 points · 900 comments · MC995

  1. t43562 · · focus · HN ↗
    It seems to be "dump on Europe" day which I'm sure is popular but lets just stop for a second and ask what the sales of ASML machinery to the US would be without the CHIPS act .... a massive subsidy. Aren't subsidies supposed to be a bad European thing??? I'm confused. Are we free market proponents or planned economy proponents?
    1. upupupandaway · · focus · HN ↗
      I don't think this is the main point (subsidies). ASML sold nothing in Europe because Europe is not a factor in semi manufacturing, primarily due to regulations and bureaucracy.
      1. elric · · focus · HN ↗
        > primarily due to regulations and bureaucracy

        Or, more likely, due to energy prices.

        1. logicchains · · focus · HN ↗
          The energy prices in Europe are also up due to regulations and bureaucracy, without which the continent would be full of nuclear plants.
          1. daedrdev · · focus · HN ↗
            For example, the Netherlands are currently pouring cement down their oil derricks to try and prevent a future government from re opening them, over absurdly minor earthquakes, despite the energy crisis.
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