US grants ASML exemption from stricter export rules
Chip machine maker ASML is reportedly exempt from new, stricter US export regulations. Under the new regulation, chip exports to China will be further restricted.
The US has been trying to limit the export of high-tech equipment and chips to China for some time now. To this end, it previously banned the export of various ASML machines, including EUV and certain DUV chip machines. In early July, it emerged that the US plans to ban the export of such advanced equipment to further restrict. This raised the question of how long ASML will be allowed to supply DUV machines. It now appears that the US is providing exceptions for certain allies in the new export regulations.
According to Bloomberg the new, stricter export restrictions do not apply to Japan, the Netherlands and South Korea. Israel, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, on the other hand, would well stricter rules are imposed, the publication reports. Thanks to the exemption, ASML is allowed to continue supplying DUV chip machines to China. Nikon, as ASML’s largest competitor, benefits from the exemption for Japanese companies.
American technologies
With the export restrictions, the US wants to prevent American technologies from ending up in Chinese chip factories. After all, the technology could be used for military purposes, the US believes.
In addition, the restrictions are a result of the increasing tensions between the two superpowers. By denying China access to most chip machines, the US hopes to strengthen its power on the world stage and limit its dependence on China. With the Chip Act, the US also hopes to entice more chip manufacturers to establish themselves in the US: chip manufacturing currently mainly takes place in China, Taiwan and South Korea.
The new export restrictions are scheduled to go into effect in August. The measures have not yet been confirmed by the U.S. government. The U.S. Department of Commerce did not respond to questions about the export restrictions.
