Additional restriction on chip exports from the Netherlands to China

The letter presented to parliament by the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, contained information about additional restrictions on the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China.

In Schreinemacher’s letter, “The government has decided to extend the restrictions on the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment in view of technological advances, the geopolitical situation and international security.” statement was included.

In the letter, it was noted that the additional licensing obligation that the export of chip production equipment brought with it was intended to prevent the use of these machines in military technology and to prevent the Netherlands from posing a threat to its leadership in the sector. .

ASML: NO SERIOUS CHANGES

Netherlands-based ASML, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of chip production equipment, stated in the government’s statement on the restraint policy that this will not cause a serious change in the company’s financial situation. and long-term policies.

In the statement, it was noted that the restriction was introduced only for “most advanced technology” equipment, noting that the restriction would apply mainly to the export of semiconductor lithography equipment used in many technological products, from the production of computers even mobile devices. phones and cars.

The statement recalled that since 2019 restrictions have been applied to the export of some semiconductor lithography equipment.

During Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s visit to the US in January 2023, such restrictions came to light and it was claimed that the Netherlands and Japan would participate in US restrictions on technology exports. to China. (AA)