Netherlands Lobbies U.S. to Ease ASML Export Controls, Opposes MATCH Act
Taylor Wilson
The Dutch trade minister flew to Washington to oppose the proposed MATCH Act, which would ban China from accessing all ASML DUV lithography tools — a move that drags ASML's China business from a diplomatic negotiation into a congressional showdown.
What triggered this confrontation?
The U.S. Congress is advancing the MATCH Act, which would bar Chinese chipmakers from acquiring ASML lithography equipment — covering all DUV immersion lithography tools.
This means → controls would no longer stop at EUV machines — extreme-ultraviolet lithography, the most advanced chipmaking tool, never cleared for China export — but extend to the next tier of equipment as well.
Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma flew to Washington on Tuesday, meeting Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and members of Congress to formally register opposition.
Why is ASML so exposed?
ASML is the only company on earth that builds the most advanced lithography machines. Its clients include TSMC and Samsung.
China is ASML's largest single market, but the revenue share already fell from 36% in Q4 2025 to 19% in Q1 2026.
In plain terms = the China business is already shrinking. A full DUV ban would cut it again — a double blow.
On what grounds is the Netherlands pushing back?
One word: extraterritoriality — the U.S. using domestic law to dictate what a Dutch company may sell.
Sjoerdsma's own words: "We want to prevent sensitive technology from ending up where it could harm security, but that has to be based on voluntary cooperation."
This reflects a red line across European allies: they will coordinate on export controls, but will not accept Washington legislating on their behalf.
What happens next?
Sjoerdsma made clear this trip is the opening move in a sustained lobbying campaign, not a one-off protest.
This means → the Netherlands is framing this as a long-term contest, not a single objection.
The key unknown: whether the Dutch can persuade Congress to soften the bill will directly determine the future scope of ASML's China business.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.