ASML Shares Surge Amid US Export Rule Updates

The U.S. government plans to introduce a new rule next month expanding the Foreign Direct Product rule to restrict semiconductor manufacturing equipment exports to six Chinese chipmaking facilities. However, key allies including Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea will be exempted, allowing their companies like ASML, ASM International, and Tokyo Electron to continue operations without disruption. This exemption led to a substantial increase in the shares of these companies, with ASML seeing a 6-7% rise. Additionally, the U.S. will add approximately 120 Chinese entities to its restricted trade list. Chinese officials criticized the U.S. for coercing other countries to suppress China's semiconductor industry, arguing it undermines global trade.