The Netherlands semiconductor export control measures have come into effect today(September 1).In response to the move,the Dutch chip manufacturing equipment giant ASML revealed that it has obtained authorization from the Dutch authorities to allow it to continue to sell semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Chinese customers before the end of the year,and this decision will not affect existing orders.

　　According to reports by China Daily and Reuters,ASML said the Dutch government has issued the required licenses as of September 1,allowing the company to continue supplying the TWINSCAN NXT:2000i and the subsequent infiltration lithography(DUV)system to Chinese customers.At the same time,ASML will continue to honor its contracts with Chinese companies.

　　According to the ASML 2021 investor day document,the NXT:2000i and subsequent lithography systems have a half-pitch of 38nm and an alignment accuracy of less than 2.0nm,which corresponds to the manufacturing of advanced process chips from 28nm to 7nm(depending on the chip type,it can also be used in mature processes of 45nm and below,depending on the exposure number).

　　The DUV lithography equipment is reportedly ASML's second-line product,while the company's most advanced extreme ultraviolet(EUV)lithography equipment has not yet been sold to customers in mainland China.

　　ASML explicitly mentions that their clients are aware of the restrictions imposed by export control regulations.Starting next year,ASML is likely to be largely barred from obtaining export licenses to sell these devices to Chinese customers.Despite this,ASML predicts that the ban is unlikely to have a material impact on the financial outlook for this year or the long-term outlook.

　　Affected by the regulation,mainland Chinese companies have seen a wave of purchases of ASML equipment.According to the South China Morning Post,as of July,the number of ASML lithography machines imported into mainland China has increased significantly,and the import amount of key semiconductor equipment in mainland China has reached$2.58 billion,exceeding ASML's annual shipment estimate of$2.36 billion in mainland China at the beginning of the year.Industry insiders expect that Chinese mainland enterprises may continue to increase their purchase of ASML equipment before the end of the year.

　　Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting said on the 31st that the Chinese government has maintained communication and exchanges with relevant countries in the field of export control.The Chinese side hopes that all relevant parties,including the Netherlands,can uphold an objective and fair position and market principles,abide by the spirit of contracts and international rules,safeguard a free and open international trade order,and protect the legitimate rights and interests of enterprises.