ASML warns of tighter US export rules
The chipmaking equipment manufacturer calls a proposed US restriction on DUV sales to China counterproductive.
Follow-up to: ASML posts nearly five billion euros in profit Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 12:01
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ASML is opposing a proposal in the US Congress to further restrict the sale of DUV lithography systems to China. Chief financial officer Roger Dassen warns that such a measure could actually help Chinese competitors.
Dassen made his remarks to journalists on Wednesday after ASML presented its quarterly results. According to Reuters news agency, the company considers the proposal, known as the MATCH Act, a bad idea. It is still a bill, not US law in force.
The proposed restriction would further reduce ASML’s scope to sell DUV systems to Chinese customers. DUV stands for deep ultraviolet and is a technology used to create patterns on semiconductor wafers. The most advanced chip production also uses EUV, a more advanced lithography technique for which ASML is the world’s leading supplier.
According to Dassen, a far-reaching restriction could accelerate the development of Chinese alternatives. His reasoning is that, if shut out, Chinese companies would have more incentive and scope to develop machines and components themselves. This is ASML’s assessment; the sources provide no independent evidence that such an effect is certain to occur.
ASML already has to take Dutch, European and US export rules into account. Licences are required for various systems, components and services. The company has previously said that changing export controls could affect the geographical distribution and timing of sales, while stating that it complies with the rules in force.
The issue therefore affects not only ASML, but also relations between the Netherlands, Europe, the United States and China. Washington wants to prevent advanced semiconductor technology from contributing to Chinese military and technological capabilities. In the Netherlands, by contrast, the question is how much room a company should retain to do business and preserve its technological position.
According to Reuters, Dassen said he trusted common sense would prevail. On Wednesday, it was still unclear whether the US proposal would progress further through the legislative process. Nor had it been established what concrete consequences any resulting law would have for Dutch export licences.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- ASML is opposing a proposed US restriction on DUV sales to China.
- The proposal is not yet law in force.
- ASML must comply with export rules in several jurisdictions.
Left
Arguments Export restrictions are defensible if they prevent technology from being used for military build-up or human rights abuses. At the same time, governments must ensure that the economic interests of large companies do not outweigh international security.
Values Human rights, international responsibility and democratic oversight of strategic technology.
Consequences More cautious exports could limit the spread of sensitive technology, but could also lead to lower revenues, retaliatory measures and an acceleration of alternative technology in China.
Centre
Arguments Restrictions should be targeted, enforceable and coordinated with allies. A broad measure only makes sense if it demonstrably contributes to security and is not primarily symbolic.
Values Proportionality, enforceability, European cooperation and predictable rules.
Consequences A targeted approach could limit security risks without unnecessarily disrupting the chip supply chain. Too much uncertainty could damage investment and international cooperation.
Right
Arguments Western countries must prevent China from building a strategic advantage through technology. Economic dependence on a geopolitical rival is itself a security risk.
Values National security, technological independence and protection of the West’s competitiveness.
Consequences Stricter rules could cost sales and profits in the short term, but according to this approach could prevent a rival from retaining access to critical infrastructure and knowledge.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The article’s central point is based directly on a Reuters report of remarks by ASML chief financial officer Roger Dassen. Background on the quarterly release and existing export rules comes from ASML’s own sources.
- confirmed ASML spoke out on 14 October against further restrictions on DUV sales to China. — Reuters quotes chief financial officer Roger Dassen on this. source
- confirmed The proposed measure is known as the MATCH Act and is not yet law in force. — Reuters describes it as a proposal in the US Congress. source
- confirmed The statement followed the presentation of ASML’s third-quarter results. — ASML records the publication of the results on 14 October 2026. source
- confirmed ASML is subject to Dutch, European and US export rules. — ASML describes the applicable export controls in its own statement. source
- confirmed According to ASML, a further restriction could accelerate the development of Chinese alternatives. — This is Dassen’s assessment as reported by Reuters; the article does not present it as a proven consequence. source
Editor's note
It is certain that ASML spoke out against the US proposal on 14 October. The possible acceleration of Chinese competition is a company assessment, not an established effect; the precise content and further consideration of the bill are still unclear.Sources
The story so far
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 08:00 ASML raises production after record quarter
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 09:58 ASML expects shortage of machines for AI chip production
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 12:01 ASML posts nearly five billion euros in profit
- Wednesday, 14 October 2026, 13:58 ASML warns of tighter US export rules (this article)