Netherlands Objects to US Match Act Over Extraterritorial Impacts

Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma has expressed the Netherlands' objections to the US Match Act, particularly its extraterritorial aspects affecting ASML's sales and servicing in China. The Act, introduced last month, bans ASML from selling lower-end lithography machines to China and servicing existing customers, in addition to existing bans on advanced equipment. The Netherlands communicated these concerns to both US Congress members and the US government, as published in written answers to lawmakers on Tuesday. The Match Act is part of broader US efforts to limit China's chipmaking advancements through sweeping export controls.

ASML, a crucial player in the global semiconductor industry, is already restricted from selling its most advanced extreme ultraviolet lithography machines to China. The new restrictions could further impact the company's revenue from Chinese sales. The Dutch government's stance reflects broader European concerns over the extraterritorial reach of US regulations.

The geopolitical tensions between the US and China over semiconductor technology are escalating, with the Netherlands and possibly other European countries caught in the middle. The Match Act's provisions underscore the global nature of the chip war, with significant implications for international trade and technology development.