ASML CEO says US desire to restrict exports to China 'economically motivated'

By Toby Sterling

(Reuters) -The chief executive of Dutch computer chip equipment supplier ASML said on Wednesday a U.S.-led campaign to restrict the company's exports to customers in China in the name of national security has become more "economically motivated" over time.

Christophe Fouquet, speaking at a Citi conference in New York, said he expects push-back against U.S.-led restrictions to grow. At the same time, he argued Chinese advances in chip making are slowing due to restrictions that are already in place.

"I think to make the case that this is about national security is getting harder and harder," Fouquet said.

"Most probably there will be more pressure for restrictions, but I also think there will be more push-back and I think we have to hope we reach a certain equilibrium because as a business what we all want is a bit of clarity, a bit of stability."