VELDHOVEN, Netherlands: Dutch chip machine manufacturer ASML has canceled a shipment to China following the partial revocation of an export license by the Dutch government. This decision aligns with the anticipated impact of the upcoming U.S. export restrictions on chip-making equipment.
The affected shipments include certain lithography systems, specifically the NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i. ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven, stated that this development would impact a limited number of customers in China.
ASML holds a dominant position in the market for lithography systems, a critical component in chip circuitry creation that uses lasers. Despite the revocation and forthcoming U.S. export control restrictions, ASML does not expect a significant impact on its financial outlook for 2023.
China has been a key market for ASML, becoming its largest market in the third quarter of 2023, representing 46% of the company’s sales. In 2023, the United States introduced new rules, granting the authority to restrict the export of ASML’s “Twinscan NXT1930Di” machine if it contains any U.S. parts.
ASML has engaged in discussions with the U.S. government to gain further clarification on the scope and impact of export control regulations. The company remains committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including export control legislation.
This development underscores the complex dynamics in the semiconductor industry, where geopolitical factors influence trade and export policies, impacting global players like ASML.
By Reuters
