For example, Minister Liesje Schreinemacher (External Trade) announced yesterday that ASML will no longer be allowed to export certain chip machines to China from September. Already in March it was known that this export restriction would come. It was then revealed that a national permit requirement would apply to certain ASML machines, including the more advanced DUV machines.
ASML is a world leader in the development of chip machines. The Veldhoven-based company does not expect the restrictions to have a significant impact on its financial results. ASML has been dealing with export restrictions for a long time: the most modern EUV machines cannot be exported to China for some years.
The export restriction has come under pressure from the US government. The US announced last year it would export less chip technology to China, out of fear it could be used for military purposes. China also expressed its dissatisfaction in March but has yet to take any action against the Netherlands. However, the matter was allegedly discussed “often and at different levels,” the statement said.
The Chinese embassy in The Hague said yesterday it saw the restriction as an “abuse of export control mechanisms” that “severely disrupts” the rules of free trade.