STORY: China's access to semiconductors could take yet another hit soon.

Japan and the Netherlands will soon join the U.S. in restricting exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China.

That's according to a report by Bloomberg on Friday (January 27).

Sources said the Netherlands will stop tech giant ASML from selling machines to China that make advanced chips.

The report said Japan would put similar restrictions on Nikon.

A government spokesperson said Japan would make 'appropriate steps' based on regulatory moves made by the U.S. and other nations.

The spokesperson did not comment further about the Bloomberg report.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said he expects to reach an agreement with the U.S. on stricter controls.

Sources have told Reuters a deal between Dutch and U.S. officials could be reached by the end of the month.

Any moves by the Netherlands and Japan would be a diplomatic win for U.S. President Joe Biden.

His administration announced restrictions on Beijing's access to U.S. chipmaking technology last October.