ASML revealed it had been blocked by the Dutch government from exporting certain tools to China, disclosing that the permit for sending its NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i lithography systems had "recently been partially revoked". The denial of the license follows the October intensification of export controls on sophisticated semiconductors and chip-making tools to China by the U.S. government, which are part of previous regulations.
ASML, the Veldhoven, Netherlands-based manufacturer of the crucial machines utilized in fabricating the most advanced semiconductors, released a statement Monday revealing that their export license of the NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i lithography systems due for shipment in 2023 was partially revoked by the Dutch government. ASML's stock prices saw a minor dip of 1% in morning trading. From their EUV lithography machines, used in creating the most advanced chips, such as those used in Apple iPhones, ASML has become a pivotal player in the chip manufacturing process.
For several years, ASML has been prevented from exporting its EUV machine to China and has yet to ship a single one to the country. The company also produces a second type of tool, called an immersion deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography machine, used to make slightly less advanced chips. The NXT:2050i and NXT:2100i systems that are subject to the Dutch government's recent export restrictions are DUV machines.The restrictions are a result of the U.S. government toughening up export controls on advanced semiconductor and chip-making technologies to China in October, building upon past rules.ASML reported that in current talks with the U.S. government, it has obtained "further clarification" on the effect of the October updated controls, which bar the export of certain mid-critical DUV immersion lithography systems to designated production facilities.The Dutch government, heeding U.S. demands, unveiled its own export regulations on advanced semiconductor equipment in June.A spokesperson for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs could not be immediately reached for comment by CNBC.ASML said it doesn't anticipate the withdrawal of its export license due to U.S. export controls to have a significant effect on its financial forecast for 2023.The company has previously predicted fourth quarter net sales to be between 6.7 billion euros ($7.4 billion) and 7.1 billion euros.
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