Thread

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

402 points · 900 comments · MC995

t43562 · 1790347718 · 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 · 1790348103 · 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. rowanajmarshall · 1790509593 · focus · HN ↗
    No, Europe is not a factor in cutting-edge chip assembly. That is a tiny fraction of the overall supply chain to manufacture a finished, compute-ready semiconductor. There is sense in not trying to compete with the "sexy" part of chip manufacturing, and instead concentrating on the steps of the supply chain you are already good at.
    unparagoned · 1790723318 · focus · HN ↗
    That’s completely useless. The point is that we need full control over the full pipeline for security.
    If China invades Taiwan 70% of noting is still nothing.

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