Congress moves to strip the DoC of chip-export discretion with the MATCH Act — DUV lithography machines among those targeted in chipmaking tool crackdown

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the MATCH Act to restrict the sale and servicing of advanced chipmaking equipment to China, targeting DUV lithography systems and specific Chinese semiconductor firms. The bill aims to eliminate loopholes exploited by Chinese companies through front companies and third-country routing. The legislation would transfer authority from the executive branch to Congress, making any future relaxation of restrictions require congressional approval. The bill's path through Congress is uncertain, with equipment makers lobbying against it, but the bipartisan support and current trade tensions between the U.S. and China may lead to its passage.