The artificial intelligence boom is increasing the economic importance of semiconductor equipment maker ASML as demand grows for the machines required to manufacture advanced computer chips.
Economists at ING estimate that ASML could directly account for as much as 1.6% of the Dutch economy in 2026, up from approximately 1.3% the previous year.
The company occupies a critical position in the global semiconductor supply chain because its lithography systems are used by leading chip manufacturers to produce increasingly advanced processors.
Demand for those systems has strengthened as technology companies invest heavily in processors and data centres needed to train and operate artificial intelligence models.
ASML is also preparing to expand production capacity significantly in the coming years as customers increase spending on advanced chipmaking technology.
The growth has provided an important economic benefit to the Netherlands through research, manufacturing, suppliers and highly skilled employment.
At the same time, economists have warned that increasing dependence on a single technology company can create risks. Changes in global chip demand, export restrictions or geopolitical tensions could have broader consequences for the Dutch economy.
ASML is also exposed to continuing technology tensions between the United States and China, particularly restrictions affecting the export of advanced semiconductor equipment.
The company’s growing importance illustrates how the AI investment boom is reshaping not only technology markets but also national economies.
