Semiconductor Super乙 Netherlands ASML
Partial Export License for Lithography Equipment to China Revoked
China "Netherlands Must Fulfill Contract"
Dutch semiconductor equipment company ASML has partially revoked its export license for semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. In response, China fiercely criticized the move as "American tyranny and unilateral harassment."
According to major foreign media on the 1st (local time), ASML stated, "Recently, the Dutch government partially revoked the transport license for the 2023 'NXT:2050i' and 'NXT:2100i' lithography devices," adding, "This affects a small number of customers in China." Lithography devices are used in the semiconductor manufacturing process to project light and draw circuits, and ASML is considered the leading company with the highest technology in the lithography device field.
ASML expects that this export license revocation and the latest U.S. export control regulations will not significantly impact its financial outlook. In recent years, China has been ASML's third-largest market after Taiwan and South Korea.
Last year, the United States announced new regulations allowing it to restrict exports of some ASML equipment that include U.S.-made components. The Dutch government also took measures requiring Dutch semiconductor equipment companies to obtain government approval when exporting certain advanced semiconductor production equipment, such as deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machines, as part of U.S.-led export controls on semiconductor equipment to China.
Bloomberg News, citing anonymous sources, reported that ASML canceled the transport of some equipment originally scheduled for export to China at the request of the Joe Biden administration. ASML had a license to transport three DUV lithography machines to Chinese companies until January, but U.S. officials requested ASML to immediately halt the transport of some pre-planned equipment to China.
Bloomberg also reported that Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, discussed this issue with the Dutch government, and Dutch officials said the U.S. requested direct contact with ASML.
China condemned the United States and demanded that the Netherlands fulfill its contracts. Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 2nd, "The related actions, which are American tyranny and unilateral harassment, seriously violate international trade rules, severely disrupt the global semiconductor industry structure, and have a significant impact on the safety and stability of international industry and supply chains."
He added, "We urge the Netherlands to maintain an objective and fair stance, adhere to market principles, respect the spirit of contracts, and act to safeguard the common interests of China, the Netherlands, and companies from both countries."
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