Dutch lawmakers have questioned the Netherlands’ Trade Minister regarding the recent unilateral imposition of new export rules by the United States affecting ASML Holding, Europe’s largest tech firm.
The U.S. announced last week that it would exercise the right to restrict the export of ASML’s Twinscan NXT1930Di chipmaking machine to China if it contains any U.S. components. This move is part of U.S. policy aimed at slowing China’s technological and military advancements.
Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher expressed the Dutch government’s lack of opposition to the new U.S. rules but emphasized the need for a more coordinated European approach to address the issue.
ASML, a Veldhoven-headquartered company, has stated that it will comply with the U.S. regulations. In practice, the new restrictions are expected to impact only a limited number of Chinese facilities capable of manufacturing advanced semiconductors.
The U.S. has been pressuring the Dutch government since 2019 not to export its most advanced chipmaking machines to China. In response, the Dutch government introduced its own licensing requirements in June for slightly less advanced machines, excluding the 1980di tool.
ASML is a major player in the lithography equipment market, supplying chipmakers like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel. China is the company’s third-largest market after Taiwan and South Korea.
Minister Schreinemacher highlighted the importance of coordinating with other European Union member states in negotiations with the U.S., aiming for a more collective and unified approach to address export restrictions. She mentioned discussions with European Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton on this matter.