The Netherlands imposes export controls on shipments of certain ASML machines, similar to the United States.

• The Dutch government announced on Friday that it is broadening its export limitations on advanced semiconductor manufacturing technology.
• The Netherlands is assuming control over the U.S. in determining what machines ASML can export to other countries.
• The Dutch government has mandated that ASML's TWINSCAN NXT:1970i and 1980i DUV immersion lithography systems must be licensed before they can be exported.

The Dutch government has announced that it is tightening export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment by bringing licensing requirements for 's machines under its control.

The Netherlands is assuming control over the U.S. in determining what machines ASML can export to other countries.

The Netherlands considers such restrictions essential for national security, like other countries.

"Due to security concerns, I have made this decision. The export of this specific manufacturing equipment poses increased security risks due to technological advances, particularly in the current geopolitical context," Reinette Klever, minister of foreign trade and development for the Netherlands, stated.

ASML stated on Friday that the government's latest measures represent a "technical change" that will not affect its financial projections for 2024 or its "longer-term scenarios."

The Dutch government last year imposed its first significant export restrictions on advanced semiconductor equipment.

The Netherlands is home to ASML, a crucial semiconductor company that manufactures cutting-edge chip production machinery.

The country's recent actions were prompted by the U.S.'s decision to impose new export controls on critical technologies, including quantum computing and semiconductor goods, on Friday.

In late 2022, the U.S. introduced sweeping rules aimed at cutting off exports of key chips and semiconductor tools to China and urged allied countries to follow suit. Washington has pressured countries like the Netherlands to intensify export restrictions on critical chipmaking tools, with ASML being a key focus for U.S. policymakers.

The government did not specify any particular countries for the chip restrictions in its latest statement, stating that the rules apply to exports from the Netherlands to destinations outside of the European Union.

Klever stated that the Netherlands holds a distinctive position in this field, which comes with specific obligations that we take seriously. The Dutch semiconductor industry must anticipate what to expect. We have acted with caution and precision to minimize the impact on global trade flows and value chains.

ASML tools require Dutch licenses

ASML produces two types of lithography machines: extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and deep ultraviolet (DUV).

The most advanced chips require the use of EUV lithography machines, which are utilized by companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

Lithography machines are utilized to produce various semiconductors, including memory chips, which are incorporated into a wide range of devices such as laptops and smartphones.

The Dutch government imposed restrictions on both sets of machines last year. ASML announced on Friday that its TWINSCAN NXT:1970i and 1980i DUV immersion lithography systems will now require a license from the Dutch government for export, instead of from Washington.

The Dutch government has updated its export licensing regime.