As demand for AI semiconductors surges, alarm bells are ringing over supplies of lithography tools from Dutch chip equipment maker ASML. Capacity in 2027 and 2028 alone is likely to be insufficient to meet customer demand, and some companies are seeking to secure allocations through 2030.

Japan's GigaZine reported on Oct. 15 that ASML Chief Executive Christophe Fouquet (크리스토프 푸케) said at a recent earnings announcement, "As investment in AI semiconductors expands, customers' demand forecasts for equipment keep rising." He added, "With currently planned production capacity, it is difficult to meet all demand in 2027 and 2028." Some customers are already showing interest in ordering equipment for 2029 and 2030.

ASML is the company that exclusively supplies extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography tools, which are essential for advanced semiconductor production. Lithography tools use light to etch fine circuit patterns onto silicon wafers and are key equipment for chip miniaturisation processes.

Demand for EUV tools is also rising rapidly as production of AI accelerators and high-performance memory increases. But the tools have complex structures and require long periods for assembly and verification, making it difficult to ramp up output in a short time.

ASML plans to expand its production capacity for low numerical aperture (low-NA) EUV tools and deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion tools by about 30 percent in 2027 compared with 2026. It is also considering additional expansion in 2028, but demand is rising faster than expected and it is looking at options beyond its existing expansion plan.

Its performance also reflected the benefits of increased AI investment. ASML posted third-quarter net sales of 11.662 billion euros (17.52 trillion won) and net profit of 4.96 billion euros (7.45 trillion won) this year.

It forecast fourth-quarter sales of 14.2 billion to 15.2 billion euros (21.34 trillion to 22.84 trillion won) and said annual sales were expected to reach 44.0 billion to 45.0 billion euros (66.11 trillion to 67.61 trillion won).

ASML plans to expand new production facilities while improving the performance of existing equipment. If chipmakers' competition in capital spending continues, supply shortages of lithography tools are expected to remain a key variable in expanding global production of advanced semiconductors.