Pakistan, June 25 -- The Netherlands has stepped up efforts to oppose proposed United States legislation that could significantly tighten restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma traveled to Washington this week to discuss concerns with US officials and lawmakers, arguing that the proposed measures could have serious economic consequences for Dutch industry and international technology markets.

At the center of the debate is the MATCH Act, a bill designed to further limit China's access to Western semiconductor manufacturing equipment. If approved, the legislation would expand existing export controls and restrict the sale of additional chipmaking technologies, potentially affecting major supp...