Shares of ASML Holding NV, the dominant supplier of advanced chip manufacturing equipment, saw a rollercoaster session on Thursday, initially dipping on news of tightened Dutch export controls before rebounding strongly to close 5.19% higher for the day.
The movement was sparked by an announcement from the Netherlands that it will impose new licensing requirements from April 1st on exports of specialized semiconductor technology, including some of the tools produced by ASML for detecting wafer defects and refining chipmaking processes. The news initially stoked concerns about potential disruptions to global chip supply chains and geopolitical tensions with China, sending ASML's stock down as much as 1.3% in intraday trading.
However, the selloff proved short-lived as ASML itself affirmed that the new export curbs would not impact its 2023 financial guidance. This reassurance from the semiconductor behemoth, coupled with the Dutch government's assertion that the rules target a "very limited set of technologies," appeared to assuage investor worries. ASML's stock staged an impressive recovery, ultimately closing the session with a robust 5.19% gain.