The Netherlands expands export restrictions on processor chip manufacturing equipment on the grounds of security risks

As of September 6, 2024, Dutch cabinet ministers announced that the Dutch government is expanding export restrictions on equipment that can be used to manufacture advanced processor chips that can be integrated into weapon systems, citing security risks.

Prior to this, some equipment of ASML, one of the world's leading chip manufacturing equipment manufacturers, had already faced export restrictions. These measures are seen as part of the US policy of restricting China's access to materials used for manufacturing chips because these chips can be used in military technology.

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Liesje Schreinemacher said in a statement that the new measures mean that ASML must apply for government authorization when exporting deep ultraviolet lithography equipment to buyers outside the European Union. Schreinemacher said the decision was made for security reasons. In the current geopolitical context, technological progress has brought an increase in security risks related to the export of specific manufacturing equipment.

ASML said in a statement that the measure will harmonize the way export licenses are issued and is not expected to have any impact on the company's financial outlook for 2024 or its long-term plans.