The Economic Times

ASML layoffs: the king of advanced chip-making machines cuts 1,700 jobs in major shake-upbut is China ready to lure them all and forge its own ASML empire?

ASML layoffs hit global headlines after the chip giant confirmed 1,700 job cuts, nearly 4% workforce, despite record AI-driven demand. The ASML layoffs target middle management to remove delays and speed up production. The company plans 1,400 new engineering roles, signaling a sharp shift toward technical talent and faster operations. With EUV machines critical for advanced chips, this move reflects rising pressure in the semiconductor race. The ASML layoffs highlight efficiency over hierarchy. But a bigger question emerges. Could displaced engineers fuel global competition? And will China seize this moment to strengthen its own chip ambitions?