A US-led "technology blockade" on China appears to be gaining momentum. The Netherlands has joined the world’s biggest economy in rolling out semiconductor export control measures aimed at keeping sensitive technology away from Beijing.
The Dutch government decided to do its part to escalate the battle for tech supremacy and announced export curbs on advanced semiconductor equipment. The restrictions are designed to deprive China of critical machines for producing chips. The Netherlands is home to ASML, one of the world’s leading suppliers in the semiconductor industry. The concern produces the equipment needed to manufacture cutting-edge chips. Notably, the US authorities have long urged the Dutch administration to join the trade war with China.
ASML is instrumental in developing and producing semiconductors across the globe. Thus, the new sanctions will be a serious setback for Chinese chipmakers. Now Dutch companies will have to apply for a license to export certain advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment overseas.
According to the Dutch government, the rules apply to a "number of very specific technologies for the development and manufacture of advanced semiconductors" that could potentially have military applications. "We’ve taken this step on national security grounds. It’s good for the companies that will be impacted to know what they can expect. This will give them the time they need to adapt to the new rules," Dutch Trade Minister Liesje Schreinemacher said in a statement.
