Dutch exports to China declined significantly in the first half of 2025, with export volumes falling by around 15 percent year-on-year, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The decline was largely driven by lower exports of specialized machinery and components, particularly equipment used in chip manufacturing.
ASML, the Veldhoven-based semiconductor equipment maker, previously acknowledged during its quarterly earnings presentation that sales in China have recently come under pressure. In 2024, China still accounted for more than 40 percent of ASML’s global chip machine sales. At the time, Chinese customers appeared to place large orders, which ASML attributed mainly to delivery timing. Market observers now suggest that slowing exports may also reflect growing concerns over tighter export controls.
In contrast, Dutch imports from China continued to rise. During the first half of the year, import volumes increased by 6 percent, while the total value of imports grew by approximately 5.4 percent. This growth was largely driven by higher imports of computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Overall, CBS noted that international goods trade appears to be stabilizing after several turbulent years. Both Dutch import and export volumes rose by 1.6 percent compared with a year earlier. On the price side, sharp increases in cocoa, coffee, and chocolate prices were partly offset by declining fuel prices.
【Background】
In recent years, the Netherlands and the European Union have tightened controls on the export of advanced semiconductor technologies and critical equipment. Against the backdrop of continued U.S. pressure to restrict high-tech exports to China, the Dutch government has increasingly imposed licensing requirements on advanced lithography systems and related technologies.
As the world’s leading supplier of chipmaking equipment, ASML’s exports to China are widely seen as a key indicator of broader Sino-Dutch trade relations in high-tech sectors. Analysts note that changes in delivery schedules and order volumes reflect not only market demand but also rising policy uncertainty.
【Conclusion】
Analysts expect Dutch exports of high-end equipment to China to remain under pressure in the near term, while growing imports of consumer electronics highlight a shift in the bilateral trade structure. Looking ahead, the direction of export control policies and corporate compliance strategies will play a decisive role in shaping future cooperation between the two countries in the semiconductor and high-tech industries.
Source: This article is based on publicly available reporting from nieuws.nl.
Original link: https://nieuws.nl/economie/nederlandse-export-naar-china-krimpt-mede-door-chipmachines
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