The Netherlands: Controller of Core Photolithography Technology in the Semiconductor Industry

The global semiconductor or chip design and manufacturing industry has become one of the most important technology-driven sectors. Right now, an undeclared trade war or economic cold war is happening, especially involving the United States, as countries compete for control in this area.

According to the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), global semiconductor sales reached $791.7 billion in 2025. This marks a 25.6% increase from the 2024 total of $630.5 billion. In the fourth quarter of 2025, worldwide sales hit $236.6 billion. This was 37.1% higher than the same quarter in 2024 and 13.6% higher than the third quarter of 2025. In December 2025, global sales were at $78.9 billion, a 2.7% rise from November.

Although countries like the United States, China, South Korea, and Taiwan are active in semiconductor design and production, the core technology for advanced nanometer chip manufacturing, extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) systems, is produced solely by one country: the Netherlands.

While China and Japan claim to be working on their own photolithography technologies, the Netherlands remains the only global producer and exporter of this advanced system. Dutch company ASML (Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography) designs and manufactures these cutting-edge machines and sells them worldwide.

However, ASML cannot export this technology to specific countries such as China, Iran, or Russia without U.S. approval. There are rumors that China’s Huawei may have secretly developed its own version of this technology and could be starting successful applications.

ASML was founded in 1984, and as of January 2026, its market cap was $527 billion. In 2025, the company reported annual revenue of €32.7 billion ($38.52 billion), operating income of €11.3 billion ($13.31 billion), and net income of €9.61 billion ($11.32 billion). By December 2025, ASML employed 44,175 people, with its headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands. To support global operations, the company has 60 service points in 16 countries, including the United States, Belgium, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan.

In summary, the semiconductor industry has become a major force in global technology and economic growth, with ASML from the Netherlands holding unmatched power through its photolithography systems. This development shows that when technology is used responsibly, it can lead to competition and also create a safer, more advanced, and knowledge-driven future for humanity.

Sources: Wikipedia, Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)

Author: Sherazur Rahman, Teacher & Writer, Singra, Natore, Bangladesh