China ASML exports restricted by the Netherlands

ASML, a chip machine manufacturer based in Veldhoven, Netherlands, revealed on Monday that the Dutch government has partially revoked an export license for the shipment of specific chip-making equipment to China.

This action was taken in response to US export restrictions, affecting shipments that include certain lithography systems, specifically the NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i models. ASML, a prominent player in the lithography systems market, stated that the revocation, along with the recent US export control restrictions, is not expected to have a substantial impact on its financial outlook for 2023.

Despite being China’s third-largest market in recent years, ASML’s sales to China accounted for 46% of the company’s total sales in the third quarter of 2023. In 2023, the US announced rules allowing it to restrict the export of ASML’s “Twinscan NXT1930Di” machine if it contains any US parts.

Following this, Dutch lawmakers questioned whether the US had appropriately imposed rules on the export of another ASML chip-making machine to China.

ASML clarified that it has obtained additional clarification from the US government regarding the scope and impact of the export control regulations. The company affirmed its full commitment to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including export control legislation in the countries where it operates.