Donald Trump's U.S. administration is expected to continue pressuring the Dutch semiconductor equipment company ASML to control exports to China, according to Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Bloomberg reported that on the 22nd (local time), at the World Economic Forum (WEF, Davos Forum) held in Switzerland, Prime Minister Rutte said, "The Joe Biden administration has pushed very hard for semiconductor equipment export restrictions. I expect the Trump administration would have pushed in the same way."
He added, "We discuss ASML every week," and said, "I think it is important that we decide for ourselves what to do regarding (export controls)."
He emphasized that ASML is very important to the Dutch economy, saying, "I want to make it clear that this status will not change."
ASML exclusively produces extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography equipment necessary for advanced semiconductor manufacturing and is regarded as an essential value chain in the semiconductor industry. The U.S. has reportedly pressured ASML to strengthen export controls to China, citing national security concerns to curb China's semiconductor industry.
Christoph Pueke, ASML's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said in September last year regarding U.S. export control pressure, "I think it is becoming increasingly difficult to claim that this is about national security," pointing out that economic motives are growing stronger over time than national security.
He also said in October last year, "Given the geopolitical situation, it seems clear that the U.S. will continue to pressure its allies to impose more controls."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rutte is scheduled to meet Ding Xuesong, China's Vice Premier, who is visiting Europe to attend the Davos Forum, in the Netherlands on the 23rd. Regarding the possibility of Chinese retaliation, he said, "Retaliation is not on the agenda. We meet as good friends." He added, "We will probably discuss export controls and listen to each other very carefully," and said, "We have a good trade relationship with China, but even among friends, disputes over certain issues can always arise."
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