ASML and Dutch Government Oppose US MATCH Act Over Chip Export Controls

The U.S. MATCH Act proposal would expand export restrictions on semiconductor equipment, aiming to block Chinese access to both advanced EUV and older deep‑ultraviolet lithography tools made by Dutch firm ASML. The legislation would give the United States authority to dictate which allied countries may sell such technology to China.

The Netherlands, home to ASML, has publicly opposed the bill. Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma travelled to Washington to warn that the law threatens Dutch sovereignty and could cost ASML billions of euros—up to a third of its annual revenue that comes from Chinese sales and service contracts. Dutch officials argue that cooperative, case‑by‑case controls are preferable to coercive U.S. sanctions.

ASML has denied accusations that it bypassed existing export rules. The dispute underscores broader EU‑U.S. tensions over semiconductor supply chains and the strategic importance of chipmaking equipment in the U.S.–China rivalry.