ASML Refutes US Allegations Regarding Unauthorized EUV Equipment Transfer to China

Dutch semiconductor equipment leader ASML is facing increased scrutiny from the Trump administration. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently addressed concerns with ASML executives regarding the potential unauthorized presence of advanced lithography equipment within China, which would constitute a breach of U.S.-led export control regulations.

According to Bloomberg, sources familiar with the matter indicated that Secretary Lutnick specifically raised concerns regarding Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography systems. These machines are critical for producing advanced processors for companies like Nvidia and Apple, and have been strictly prohibited from being exported to China under export controls established during President Trump’s first term.

ASML has officially countered these allegations, asserting that its EUV machines have not entered China. The company emphasized that these machines are the size of a school bus, require continuous maintenance by ASML staff, and possess limited production volume, making clandestine movement logistically impractical.

While the specific demands of the Trump administration remain unclear, ASML must now provide further documentation to prove its compliance. The U.S. Department of Commerce has not yet provided evidence confirming the presence of any EUV systems within Chinese borders.