The Dutch government announced on Friday that it is expanding export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, bringing ASML’s machines under a new licensing framework.
This move means the Netherlands is now taking a more direct role in controlling what semiconductor equipment ASML can export, a shift from previous U.S.-dominated controls.
Similar to other countries, the Netherlands views these restrictions as vital for national security. “This decision has been made for security reasons.
Technological advancements have increased the security risks tied to the export of specific manufacturing equipment, particularly in today’s geopolitical climate,” said Reinette Klever, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, in a statement.
ASML, a leading global semiconductor company headquartered in the Netherlands, responded by stating that the new measures represent a “technical change” and are not expected to affect its financial outlook for 2024 or its long-term projections.
The Dutch government’s expanded controls follow earlier export restrictions introduced last year, specifically targeting advanced semiconductor equipment.
ASML, which manufactures the sophisticated machinery necessary to produce the most advanced chips, plays a crucial role in the global semiconductor industry.
This development aligns with the U.S.’s recent introduction of new export controls on critical technologies, including quantum computing and semiconductor-related goods.
In 2022, the U.S. implemented broad regulations to cut off China’s access to key chips and semiconductor tools, pressuring allied nations like the Netherlands to strengthen their own restrictions on key chip-making technologies.
Although the Dutch government did not specifically name any countries targeted by these new restrictions, it clarified that the rules apply to exports from the Netherlands to destinations outside the European Union.
“The Netherlands holds a unique and leading position in this field, which comes with specific responsibilities.
We are committed to ensuring that the Dutch semiconductor industry has clarity on what to expect. Our approach has been careful and precise, aiming to minimize disruptions to global trade flows and value chains,” added Klever.
ASML produces two primary types of lithography machines: the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine, used by companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to make cutting-edge chips, and the deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machine, used in producing semiconductors for devices like laptops and phones. Both machine types were already under Dutch export controls last year.
With the new rule changes, ASML’s TWINSCAN NXT:1970i and 1980i DUV immersion lithography systems will now require a license from the Dutch government for export, rather than approval from Washington.
