Dutch Trade Minister Leads Delegation to China with ASML in Tow
N.R. Finch
Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma set off for a three-day visit to China on July 7, with ASML and NXP in the delegation; the key question is whether either side signals any flexibility on export controls.
Who is going, and what does the lineup look like?
Sjoerdsma is leading a 17-company delegation spanning logistics, agriculture, and high-tech.
The two names drawing the most attention: ASML — the world's sole maker of EUV lithography machines — and NXP, both heavyweights in the semiconductor supply chain.
This means → the Dutch brought their core chip-equipment companies into the delegation. The signal is clear: this is not a routine trade visit.
What is on the agenda?
In Beijing, Sjoerdsma will hold talks with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and attend a CEO roundtable.
He then heads to Shanghai to meet with Dutch and Chinese business representatives. The visit runs three days, ending Thursday.
In a government statement he said: "Over the past decades we have built a solid trade relationship with China, and the goal of this visit is to deepen bilateral trade further. Raising concerns is part of that."
Over the past decades we have built a solid trade relationship with China, and the goal of this visit is to deepen bilateral trade further. Raising concerns is part of that.
Sjoerd Sjoerdsma
Dutch Trade Minister
(Pre-departure government statement)
Why is everyone watching ASML?
ASML is the only company in the world that can build EUV lithography machines — tools that etch chip circuits with extreme-ultraviolet light, essential for manufacturing the most advanced semiconductors.
Dutch export controls restrict ASML's China shipments, making the machines one of the most contested flashpoints in the U.S.–China tech rivalry.
In plain terms = whoever can buy this machine can make cutting-edge chips — so it is both a commercial product and a geopolitical bargaining chip.
Can this visit change anything?
Sjoerdsma pledged to work "as hard as possible" to advance Dutch business interests in China, but made no mention of whether export controls might be adjusted.
This reflects the Netherlands' dilemma: real commercial interests in China on one side, U.S. pressure and its own security calculus on the other.
The key test for this visit: whether the two sides reach any consensus on export controls — even a signal-level softening would count.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.