AMSTERDAM (Dec 3): Computer chip equipment maker ASML said it does not expect new US restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, announced on Monday, to affect its most recent financial guidance.

Separately, the Dutch government said it shares US security concerns on the export of advanced semiconductor making tools, and it its studying the latest US rules.

In a statement, ASML repeated its Nov 14 guidance that it sees group sales at €30 billion to €35 billion (US$31.5 billion to US$36.7 billion or RM141.17 billion to RM164.69 billion) in 2025, with approximately 20% of sales in China, down from around 50% this year.

It said the latest US restrictions would affect ASML's export of deep ultra violet lithography systems to some chip-making plants in China, if enforced by the Dutch government.

The new US rules are Washington's third crackdown in three years on China's semiconductor industry, tightening regulations on equipment makers and curbing exports to 140 Chinese companies, including additional subsidiaries of China's biggest bespoke chipmaker SMIC.

"The Netherlands shares American concerns over uncontrolled export of advanced semiconductor equipment," the Dutch Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"Every country makes its own assessment and takes measures on the basis of its own analysis of threats to national security."

The latest US rules include tighter restrictions on software and metrology, or measuring, equipment that are relevant for ASML.

"In the long term, our scenarios for demand in the semiconductor industry are not expected to be impacted by the new regulations, as our scenarios are based on global demand," ASML said in a statement.

ASML shares closed 0.9% higher at €664.10 in Amsterdam on Monday.

The new US rules include restrictions on 'computational lithography', software used to optimise the effectiveness of lithography machines such as those made by ASML and Japanese competitors Nikon and Canon, which use beams of light to help create circuitry.

ASML, the biggest lithography machine maker, said on its website that its computational lithography is also "industry leading" and helps improve chip yield and quality.

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