Dutch will restrict China chip exports ‘on their own terms’: Schreinemacher

The Netherlands will not succumb to US pressure to implement restrictions on exports to China of semiconductors – in particular, those manufactured by the Dutch chip manufacturer ASML. So said Dutch minister for foreign trade Liesje Schreinemacher recently.

The United States is thought to be urging non-US manufacturers of sophisticated technology to implement controls similar to those announced by the US Bureau of Industry and Security in October, with the aim that they ‘restrict the PRC’s ability to obtain advanced computing chips, develop and maintain supercomputers, and manufacture advanced semiconductors.’

But in an interview with news outlet NRC, Schreinemacher said, ‘The Netherlands will not copy the American export restrictions for China one-to-one.’

In 2019, much coverage was given by the Dutch press to the government’s decision to block the sale of flagship technology produced by ASML – apparently under US pressure.

In the interview, the minister said that the Netherlands ‘has been talking intensively with the Americans about export restrictions for two years now’, adding, ‘a deal has not yet been reached, but could be reached within a few months. The Netherlands does want to tighten the export restriction but does so on its own terms.’

She added: ‘I cannot say anything about the nature of the talks. But the US cannot simply impose such changes on us. We participate in those conversations in a sovereign way. Because the Americans need us too. We shouldn’t make ourselves smaller than we are – we have important companies within our borders and will not give that negotiating room away easily. The Netherlands will not copy the American measures one-to-one. We make our own assessment – and we do this in consultation with partner countries such as Japan and the US.’

In an agenda memorandum on the website of the Dutch government, it was noted, ‘On 7 October, the US presented unilateral export control measures on semiconductor technology. Although the measures target US companies, there are implications for the entire value chain, including Dutch companies. The cabinet is in close consultation with companies, European partners, and US authorities on the impact of the measures and on the European response. Against this background, the Commission will also look ahead to the third Trade and Technology Council political-level meeting, which will take place on 5 December next. The government is keen to see concrete outcomes that will help deepen transatlantic cooperation on technology and trade issues, for example in the areas of artificial intelligence and semiconductor value chains.’