U.S. lawmakers revise bill aimed at Chinese chipmaking industry

Thursday 16 April 2026 - 15:30

U.S. lawmakers have revised proposed legislation aimed at restricting China’s access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, scaling back some of the more expansive measures included in earlier drafts. The updated proposal reflects ongoing debates over how far export controls should go in the global technology race.

The bill, known as the MATCH Act, seeks to tighten restrictions on chipmaking tools while aligning U.S. policy with allied nations such as Japan and the Netherlands. Lawmakers argue that coordinated controls are necessary to maintain technological leadership in strategic industries like artificial intelligence.

One of the key provisions still included in the revised version targets advanced lithography equipment produced by ASML, a critical supplier in the global chipmaking supply chain. The proposal introduces new restrictions on the company’s deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion systems, which are widely used in semiconductor production.

The earlier version of the bill had raised concerns within the technology industry due to its broad scope and potential impact on global supply chains. Critics warned that overly strict export controls could disrupt trade relationships and reduce revenues for manufacturers in the United States and abroad.

Supporters of the legislation, however, argue that tighter regulations are necessary to prevent sensitive technologies from being used in ways that could challenge national security interests. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining coordination with allied countries to avoid regulatory loopholes.

The revised draft represents an effort to balance economic concerns with strategic objectives, as governments worldwide continue to compete for dominance in the semiconductor and artificial intelligence sectors.