South Korea Overtakes China as ASML's Top Market

In the first quarter of 2026, South Korea accounted for 45% of ASML's sales, surpassing China, which has dropped to 19%. ASML is the sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines essential for producing advanced chips under 7 nanometers. The recent sales shift not only reflects corporate success but also highlights significant geopolitical changes initiated by U.S. sanctions aimed at limiting China's access to advanced semiconductor technology.

The implications are profound, as South Korean companies like Samsung and SK Hynix ramp up their EUV machine orders to meet increasing demands for high-performance memory chips used in AI data centers. Meanwhile, China's inability to access EUV has forced it to rely on older lithography technologies, resulting in higher production costs and reduced yields. This strategic landscape change emphasizes South Korea's enhanced capability in semiconductor manufacturing, thereby increasing its technological autonomy amidst geopolitical pressures.