ASML says in annual report export curb worries hit customer spending in 2024

ASML, the large computer chip equipment maker that has been impacted by successive waves of U.S.-led restrictions on exports to China, said in its annual report published on Wednesday that uncertainty over export controls had been one factor weakening customer demand in 2024.

"Macroeconomic uncertainty - including [over] technological sovereignty and export controls - led certain customers to remain cautious and control capital expenditure." it said.

ASML said that a growing number of entities in China, which accounted for 36% of sales last year, are now subject to restrictions and the company faces ongoing risk from increasingly complex restrictions and possible countermeasures.