The chief executive of ASML, the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker, questioned whether a US push to get the Netherlands to adopt new rules restricting exports to China make sense on December 13, Reuters reported.

Source: ASML Website

Peter Wennink, president and CEO of ASML, said in an interview with newspaper NRC Handelsblad: “Maybe they think we should come across the table, but ASML has already sacrificed.”

Wennink said that following the US pressure, the Dutch government has already restricted ASML from exporting its most advanced lithography machines to China since 2019, something he said has benefited the US companies selling alternative technology.

He said that while 15% of ASML’s sales are in China, at the US chip equipment suppliers “it is 25 or sometimes more than 30%”.

Wennink said it seemed contradictory that the US chip manufacturers are able to sell their most advanced chips to Chinese customers, while ASML is only able to sell older chipmaking equipment.

The Biden administration issued new export rules for the US companies in October aimed at cutting off China's ability to manufacture advanced semiconductor chips in a bid to slow its military and technological advances, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Washington is urging the Netherlands, Japan and other unspecified countries with companies that make cutting edge manufacturing equipment to adopt similar rules. The Dutch trade minister has confirmed talks are ongoing.