Fact check: Is there only one Company that makes machines to manufacture advanced chips

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal a nuanced answer to whether only one company makes machines to manufacture advanced chips. ASML holds a near-monopoly specifically in EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography technology, which is crucial for manufacturing the most advanced semiconductors ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}. ASML's High NA EUV machines, costing $400 million each, are currently the only ones capable of etching nanoscopic blueprints on advanced chips ^[2].

However, the semiconductor equipment industry is much broader than just EUV lithography. The global semiconductor equipment market is projected to reach $139 billion in 2026, with billings increasing 21% year-over-year in Q1 2025 ^{[5] [6]}. This substantial market size suggests multiple companies operate in various segments of semiconductor manufacturing equipment ^[7].

Other companies are rapidly gaining ground in specific areas: Naura Technology, Huawei-linked SiCarrier, and etching equipment leader AMEC are making significant advances in etching tools ^[8]. Additionally, various countries including China are expanding their semiconductor foundry capabilities, indicating a broader competitive landscape beyond just equipment manufacturing ^[9].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question oversimplifies the semiconductor equipment industry by focusing only on "advanced chips" without distinguishing between different types of manufacturing equipment. The analyses reveal that:

• EUV lithography is just one step in the complex semiconductor manufacturing process, which includes etching, deposition, inspection, and other equipment categories ^[7]
• Multiple companies serve different segments of the semiconductor equipment market, even if ASML dominates the most advanced EUV segment ^[8]
• The $139 billion global equipment market indicates substantial revenue distributed among various manufacturers, not just one company ^[5]

Geopolitical considerations also shape this landscape. ASML benefits significantly from maintaining its EUV monopoly, as it allows the Dutch company to command premium pricing for its $400 million machines ^{[1] [2]}. U.S. export controls and Chinese technological development efforts create additional complexity in the competitive dynamics ^{[9] [8]}.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains implicit bias by suggesting there is only one company, which could mislead readers about the complexity of the semiconductor equipment industry. This framing:

• Ignores the diverse ecosystem of semiconductor equipment manufacturers serving different market segments ^{[7] [8]}
• Conflates "advanced chips" with only the most cutting-edge EUV processes, when many advanced semiconductors use other manufacturing techniques ^[8]
• Overlooks rapid technological development by companies like Naura Technology and AMEC in critical manufacturing steps ^[8]

The question may inadvertently promote ASML's market position by reinforcing the narrative of their monopoly, which benefits the company's valuation and pricing power. Intel directors have reportedly claimed that ASML's High-NA EUV may play a smaller role in future chipmaking, suggesting the technological landscape is more dynamic than a simple monopoly narrative suggests ^[8].