US presses for faster export restrictions on ASML
Washington wants allies to align further with US restrictions on chip technology for China.
The United States is once again calling for the swift approval of a bill imposing stricter export controls on chipmaking equipment. According to Reuters, Prime Minister Rob Jetten urged President Donald Trump to leave room for ASML and the European chip industry.
The proposal is known as the MATCH Act. It aims to bring US and allied export rules for semiconductor manufacturing equipment more closely into line. Earlier versions included measures that could also affect Dutch companies and their supplies to China.
ASML already does not sell its most advanced EUV machines to China. Dutch rules also restrict the export of certain DUV systems. The US debate concerns whether older equipment and maintenance services should also face further restrictions.
The Dutch government has confirmed in answers to parliamentary questions that it is aware of the US bill. The cabinet stresses that export control concerns licences for specific goods and technologies, not a general ban on a company.
According to Reuters, Jetten told Bloomberg that he remains confident a workable agreement can be reached. The talks show that the Netherlands is caught between two interests: co-operation with the United States on security and protecting a key company with a large Chinese market.
For Washington, restricting access to chipmaking equipment is part of the broader effort to curb China’s capabilities in advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence. For the Netherlands, further alignment could mean that ASML sells less to China, but also that the company has less scope to manage its own markets and services.
The MATCH Act is not US law as long as Congress has not passed the proposal and the president has not signed it into law. Nor is it clear which provisions will ultimately remain. The direct consequences for ASML, Dutch suppliers and Chinese customers therefore depend on its further consideration and diplomatic agreements.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The United States is discussing stricter export restrictions on semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
- The Netherlands already has its own licensing requirements for certain ASML systems.
- The MATCH Act has not yet been passed.
Left
Arguments Technology that could be decisive for artificial intelligence and military applications must be subject to democratic control. Allies must work together to prevent China from gaining access to the most sensitive part of the production chain.
Values Collective security, public oversight and limiting the concentration of power among multinationals.
Consequences Stricter rules could reduce security risks, but could harm trade, research and the revenues of European companies.
Centre
Arguments Export controls should be targeted and co-ordinated internationally. The Netherlands must take security interests seriously, but also prevent rules from being imposed arbitrarily or weakening European industry.
Values Proportionality, legal certainty and transatlantic co-operation.
Consequences A limited, co-ordinated approach could reduce strategic risks without completely disrupting the market.
Right
Arguments The Netherlands should decide for itself on its companies and economic interests. Excessive US pressure could cost ASML and its suppliers market share and instead encourage China to build its own industry more quickly.
Values National control, enterprise and economic resilience.
Consequences Fewer restrictions could preserve commercial room for manoeuvre, but could increase geopolitical dependence on sensitive technology.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The text distinguishes existing Dutch export policy from a US bill that has not yet been passed. The diplomatic talks and Dutch objections have been confirmed by official parliamentary documents and Reuters reporting.
- confirmed The MATCH Act is a US bill concerning stricter export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. — This is stated in the parliamentary questions and the cited Reuters reporting. source
- confirmed The Netherlands has voiced objections to possible additional restrictions on ASML. — The Dutch answers to parliamentary questions and Reuters describe that position. source
- confirmed Rob Jetten discussed the issue with Donald Trump. — Reuters reported this based on a Bloomberg interview with Jetten. source
- confirmed The MATCH Act is not yet law. — The sources describe the document as a bill; no passed law was reported in the sources used. source
Editor's note
The US law is a proposal, not established policy. The precise final text and consequences for ASML are therefore uncertain.Sources
- Kamervragen over de Amerikaanse MATCH Act en de gevolgen daarvan voor ASML — Tweede Kamer/Overheid.nl
- Dutch government objects to proposed U.S. law restricting ASML’s China exports — Reuters via MarketScreener
- Dutch PM raised ASML export curbs with Trump, Bloomberg reports — Reuters via Stockopedia
More on this in Dutch media
- AD — „asml exportcontrole”
- RTL Nieuws — „asml exportcontrole”
- FD — „asml exportcontrole”