Export restrictions to China threaten ASML and chip industry

ASML, a Dutch firm specialising in the production of advanced chips, recently ran into problems exporting its technology to China. This restriction, which came after changes in US rules, caused the company's share value to fall.

The Dutch government recently restricted ASML's ability to supply its lithography systems, key to chip manufacturing, to China. This came after new rules in the United States banned the export of advanced technology to China. ASML now faces restrictions that could affect the entire industry.

This situation comes at a time when technology companies are struggling to adapt to the new rules on technology exports. In its statement, ASML stressed that it has received further clarification on the scope and impact of the new rules in recent discussions with the US government.

Pressure from the US was not the only problem. Already in June, the Netherlands itself restricted exports of advanced chipmaking equipment. While it is not clear what exactly this restriction looks…