Critical Chip Firm ASML Posts Lower-Than-Expected Net Bookings in Q1

Dutch semiconductor equipment firm ASML reported net bookings below expectations, raising concerns about a possible slowdown in demand for its critical chipmaking machines, Ryan Browne reported for CNBC.

Revenue could hit the lower end of ASML’s full-year guidance of €30 billion to €35 billion. I Photo: ASML Facebook

ASML posted net bookings of €3.94 billion ($4.47 billion) for the first quarter of 2025, missing the Reuters forecast of €4.89 billion. CEO Christophe Fouquet said that while the demand outlook “remains strong” — with artificial intelligence continuing to be a key driver — “uncertainty with some of our customers” could result in revenue hitting the lower end of ASML’s full-year guidance of €30 billion to €35 billion.

Global chip stocks have shown weakness over the past two weeks amid investor anxiety about how US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy will affect the semiconductor supply chain.

Last week, the US announced a temporary exemption on tariffs for smartphones, computers, and semiconductors.

But on Sunday, conflicting statements from Trump and top trade officials muddied the waters, suggesting these goods would not be exempt after all but instead placed in a different “bucket.”