The Netherlands has stepped up efforts to oppose proposed United States legislation that could significantly tighten restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma traveled to Washington this week to discuss concerns with US officials and lawmakers, arguing that the proposed measures could have serious economic consequences for Dutch industry and international technology markets.
At the center of the debate is the MATCH Act, a bill designed to further limit China’s access to Western semiconductor manufacturing equipment. If approved, the legislation would expand existing export controls and restrict the sale of additional chipmaking technologies, potentially affecting major suppliers that play a critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
The proposal has drawn particular attention because of its potential impact on ASML, the Netherlands-based company that produces the world’s most advanced lithography machines. As Europe’s most valuable technology company, ASML holds a unique position in the semiconductor sector and remains the only manufacturer of advanced systems required to produce cutting-edge artificial intelligence and high-performance computer chips.
China remains an important market for ASML, accounting for approximately 19 percent of the company’s net system sales. While existing restrictions already prevent the sale of ASML’s most advanced extreme ultraviolet machines to China, the MATCH Act would also block access to older deep ultraviolet immersion systems that Chinese manufacturers can currently purchase.
During meetings in Washington, Sjoerdsma emphasized that the proposed legislation carries significant implications for the Dutch economy and technology sector. He described the situation as unusually important, noting that the Netherlands rarely intervenes directly with US lawmakers on commercial legislation but considers the issue critical because of the high economic stakes involved.
Meanwhile, the future of the bill remains uncertain as it has not yet received a full vote in either chamber of Congress. Analysts believe it may need to be attached to a broader legislative package before advancing further, leaving technology companies and policymakers closely watching developments that could reshape global semiconductor trade.