AMSTERDAM — U.S. officials have raised concerns that one of ASML’s most advanced chipmaking tools may have reached China in violation of export restrictions, while the Dutch semiconductor equipment maker has firmly denied that any such sale or transfer occurred. The issue emerged this week after reports that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed the matter with senior ASML executives during recent meetings, according to media reports and company statements.
ASML, the world’s sole supplier of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines used to manufacture the most advanced semiconductors, said on Friday that it had never shipped an EUV system to China and had not supplied any components specifically designed for such machines to the country. The company said it remained fully compliant with applicable export-control regulations.
“ASML has never shipped an EUV machine to China nor have we shipped to China any component, module or equipment specially designed to be used in an EUV machine,” the company said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
Bloomberg News reported that Lutnick had conveyed concerns to ASML leadership that one of the company’s EUV systems may have made its way into China despite longstanding restrictions. The U.S. government has not publicly released evidence supporting the concern, and details remain unclear. Reuters reported that Washington had not immediately commented on the matter.
The dispute comes amid broader U.S. efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology. Since 2019, ASML has been barred from exporting EUV machines to China under controls supported by the United States and implemented by the Dutch government. More recent proposals in Washington have sought additional limits on exports and servicing of less advanced deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography systems used by Chinese chipmakers.
The Dutch Foreign Ministry has previously said semiconductor equipment exports are subject to strict licensing requirements under European and national dual-use regulations. ASML has stated that it continually adjusts its business practices to comply with evolving export-control rules.
ASML shares edged lower following reports of the U.S. concerns, according to market reports. The company reiterated that it rejects allegations of non-compliance with export controls related to China. As of Friday, no evidence had been publicly presented by U.S. authorities, and no formal enforcement action against ASML had been announced.
