The Dutch government is tightening export controls on machines needed to produce semiconductors manufactured by local companies such as ASML. Starting April 1, 2025, the sale of several more pieces of equipment with the technology needed to produce semiconductors will require prior government approval. This is because the Netherlands sees the unrestricted sale of this technology as a risk to national security because it can be used for military purposes.
In March last year, sales such as lithography machines were already regulated by the Netherlands, requiring a special license. ASML is the only company in the world that produces the latest lithography machines that enable 3nm chips to be produced. To prevent company secrets from being stolen, ASML confirmed that EUV lithography machines can be remotely turned off so that they can no longer be used.
Last year, ASML was also reported to have stopped selling spare parts and technical assistance to buyers of their legacy technology machines in China. At the same time, the Netherlands is also screening the entry of foreign students who want to study chip development. As an ally of the United States, all of these Dutch actions are seen as an effort to prevent China from mastering semiconductor technology.