A surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to prolong the global semiconductor supply shortage. The simultaneous growth in semiconductor needs for AI data centers, satellites, and robotics is outpacing production capabilities.
On May 20, Christoph Hocke, CEO of ASML, stated at the Imec Technology Forum in Antwerp, Belgium, that "AI demand is extremely strong," and warned that the semiconductor market could remain in a state of supply shortage for a significant period. He projected that the global semiconductor market could grow to $1.5 trillion by 2030, highlighting the potential for bottlenecks throughout the supply chain.
ASML is a key player in the advanced semiconductor lithography equipment market, which is essential for etching circuits onto semiconductor wafers. Major semiconductor companies, including TSMC, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, Micron, and Intel, utilize ASML's equipment for producing advanced logic chips and high-performance memory.
Hocke also pointed to Elon Musk's plans for a large-scale AI semiconductor factory, dubbed 'TerraFab,' and the Starlink satellite project as factors that could further drive semiconductor demand. He mentioned discussions with Musk regarding these projects, stating, "Musk is very serious about these initiatives." If these large AI factories and satellite internet networks translate into actual investments, competition for semiconductor equipment and production capacity could intensify.
In response to the strong demand, ASML is enhancing its equipment performance. The company is supplying next-generation high-NA EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography equipment capable of creating finer circuits. ASML is also developing related equipment for advanced packaging. Semiconductor products utilizing high-NA EUV technology are expected to be available within months, with companies like Intel, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix already in the process of adopting this equipment.
The robust demand is reflected in ASML's financial outlook. Last month, the company raised its revenue forecast for 2026 to between €36 billion and €40 billion (approximately $56 billion to $62 billion) due to strong AI demand. Hocke noted, "Even then, semiconductor demand is outpacing supply," adding that clients are accelerating their production capacity expansion plans.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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