Netherlands Considers New Export Controls Affecting ASML and China
The Dutch government is moving forward with export measures at the request of the United States. These steps aim to limit the conditioning and servicing of chip manufacturing equipment by ASML, the leading maker of lithography systems used to produce the finest components in today’s processors. The forthcoming rules would make ASML’s corrective work in China harder by default, unless the company secures a special license from The Hague. The policy is scheduled to take effect in September 2023.
Bloomberg reports that access to older ASML lithography machines for use in China will be tightened as well. Some of these legacy scanners could, in theory, support microcircuit fabrication using advanced five-nanometer process technology. Under the new regime, ASML would be barred from selling such equipment to a group of Chinese firms, including Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, China’s largest semiconductor company by output.
The United States has applied pressure on the Netherlands and on ASML specifically because parts of ASML’s hardware and software rely on American innovations and patented technology. U.S. laws also extend influence over products that incorporate American technology, even when manufactured elsewhere.
There is a broader background to this: in the past, companies connected to the United States have sought ways to circumvent restrictions by pursuing independent development paths or alternative suppliers. The recent Dutch move reflects a tightening alignment with U.S. export controls and a willingness to restrict access to cutting-edge tooling that could advance China’s chip production capabilities.
ASML, which supplies critical equipment to global semiconductor makers, faces a balancing act between maintaining its market position and complying with national security and foreign policy priorities set by its government owners and partners. The situation underscores how export controls can influence the global supply chain for advanced lithography equipment, with ripple effects across technology sectors and international commerce.
For context, the policy debate centers on guardrails around dual-use technologies. These include hardware and software components that can drive high-end manufacturing while also enabling broader strategic capabilities. The rules are designed to deter the transfer of equipment that could accelerate the development of sophisticated microchips, while trying to avoid unnecessary disruption to existing customers and ongoing research commitments.
Analysts note that the new licensing regime introduces a level of uncertainty for customers and suppliers alike. Companies reliant on ASML’s systems may need to re-evaluate project timelines, upgrade paths, or potential alternatives if licenses are delayed or denied. The landscape could push some firms to explore domestic capabilities or non-Chinese supply arrangements where permissible under the evolving export framework.
The article also highlights how the global tech ecosystem remains highly interconnected. American technology licensing, patent protection, and cross-border manufacturing practices shape decisions made by multinational firms in Europe and Asia. In this climate, policymakers and industry players continue to weigh security considerations against the benefits of open, collaborative innovation that has driven semiconductor advances over the past decade.
Meanwhile, history offers a reminder that restrictions can provoke strategic shifts. When earlier restrictions limited access to certain components, companies sought new production routes or alternative suppliers to keep product development on track. The current policy trajectory could prompt similar responses, including reassessment of supplier networks, investment in domestic capabilities, or accelerated partnerships with non-Chinese markets to maintain momentum in chip manufacturing technology.
The discussion remains dynamic, with ongoing dialogue among policymakers, industry executives, and market participants. The outcome will influence how advanced lithography tools are deployed globally and how countries align on technology sovereignty, supply chain resilience, and competitive balance in the semiconductor sector. Citations reflect Bloomberg’s reporting on the regulatory path and its implications for ASML, the Netherlands, and China, alongside broader analysis of how U.S. export control practices intersect with European technology exports.