ASML Shares Drop 1.58% in $1.65 Billion Volume 52nd as EU-US Pact Cuts Tariffs but Spurs Tech Reliance

On July 29, ASML fell 1.58% with a trading volume of $1.65 billion, ranking 52nd in the day’s market activity. The EU-US trade deal announced by President Trump and Commission President von der Leyen included a zero-for-zero tariff agreement on chip equipment, directly benefiting ASML, a key player in semiconductor manufacturing. This exemption removes baseline 15% tariffs on the company’s high-value lithography machines, which are critical for advanced chip production. However, the EU’s commitment to purchasing U.S. AI chips could prolong its reliance on American technology, countering efforts to achieve tech sovereignty.

The trade agreement’s structure highlights ASML’s strategic position in the global semiconductor supply chain. With its machines valued in the hundreds of millions, the zero-tariff provision reduces trade barriers and supports the firm’s international operations. Analysts noted that while the deal mitigates short-term risks for ASML, the long-term implications of sustained U.S. tech dominance in AI could challenge European industry goals. The stock’s recent decline reflects broader market uncertainty tied to evolving trade policies and sector-specific growth concerns.

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