ASML Holding NV Halts Machine Shipments to China at US Government’s Request
ASML Holding NV, a Dutch manufacturer of high-end chipmaking equipment, has reportedly canceled shipments of some of its machines to China at the request of the Biden administration. The decision comes just weeks before new export bans on the machines were set to take effect.
According to sources familiar with the matter, ASML had licenses to ship three top-of-the-line deep ultraviolet lithography machines to Chinese firms until January, when new Dutch restrictions were scheduled to come into full effect. However, US officials apparently reached out to ASML and requested that they immediately halt pre-scheduled shipments of some of the machines to Chinese customers.
The sources, who asked to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the discussions, indicated that ASML complied with the US government’s request.
The move underscores the ongoing tensions between the US and China over technology and trade. The US has been increasingly vocal about the need to restrict certain high-tech exports to China, citing national security concerns.
ASML’s machines are considered crucial for the production of advanced semiconductor chips, and their export to China has been a source of contention between the US and Dutch governments.
The development also comes amid a broader push by the Biden administration to shore up America’s technological competitiveness and address what it sees as national security challenges posed by China’s rise as a technological powerhouse.
ASML has not publicly commented on the reported halt in shipments to China. However, the company is expected to face increased scrutiny over its export practices as the US continues to ramp up pressure on allies to limit certain technological exports to China.