Netherlands expands export restrictions on advanced wafer tools | Real Time Headlines

The Dutch government announced on Friday expanded export restrictions on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, ASMLThe machine is on the roadside.

More types of wafer fabrication tools are now required, meaning the company must apply for a license from the Dutch government to export its equipment abroad.

The Netherlands, like other countries, views such restrictions as a key national security requirement.

“I have made this decision for security reasons. We are seeing technological advancements leading to increased security risks associated with the export of this specific manufacturing equipment, especially in the current geopolitical context,” said Foreign Trade Minister Lei Reinette Klever said.

After Dutch government expands restrictions Introduced last year Its first major export restrictions were on exports of advanced semiconductor equipment.

ASML, one of the world’s most important semiconductor companiesheadquartered in the Netherlands. The company makes the machinery needed to produce state-of-the-art wafers.

The country’s latest move follows Friday’s move by the U.S. Introducing new export controls Key technologies, including quantum computing and semiconductor products.

At the end of 2022, the United States will launch comprehensive rules It aims to cut off exports of critical chips and semiconductor tools to China and seeks allies to follow suit. Washington pressure Countries such as the Netherlands have increased export restrictions on key chipmaking tools. ASML’s key role in advanced chips has put the Netherlands in the spotlight for U.S. policymakers.

In its latest statement, the government did not identify specific countries of particular concern for the chip restrictions, but noted that the rules apply to exports from the Netherlands to destinations outside the EU.

“The Netherlands has a unique leading position in this field. This comes with certain responsibilities, which we take seriously. The Dutch semiconductor industry needs to know what it can expect. We proceed in a cautious and targeted manner to minimize global Trade flows and value chains are disrupted,” Clever said.

EUV lithography machines, used by wafer manufacturers, e.g. British Semiconductorneed to produce the most cutting-edge chips.

DUV lithography machines are used to make other types of semiconductors, such as memory wafers, which are used in everything from laptops to mobile phones.

Both sets of machines were restricted by the Dutch government last year. ASML said Friday’s expanded restrictions mean its TWINSCAN NXT:1970i and 1980i DUV immersion lithography systems now require a license from the Dutch government before they can be exported.

ASML said in a separate statement on Friday that the government’s latest measures did not expect to have any impact on its financial outlook for 2024 or its “long-term scenario”.