Dutch FM urges semiconductor makers to prevent chips ending up in Russia

AMSTERDAM - The Dutch government on Tuesday called on semiconductor makers in the Netherlands to do more to prevent their chips from ending up in Russia, in violation of international sanctions.

Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra told the Dutch parliament that the situation was "embarrassing", following a report by national broadcaster NOS that found millions of Dutch-made chips had ended up in Russia since it invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24 2022, mostly by way of intermediate traders in China.

Chipmakers active in the Netherlands include NXP Semiconductors and Nexperia, owned by Wingtech Technology of China.

"I'm convinced that the companies do a lot, but also that more can be done," Hoekstra said.