US Accuses ASML of EUV Machine Leak to China; Company Denies

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told senior ASML executives that Washington believes a top-tier extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system may have reached China, violating export controls that have barred EUV sales since the first Trump administration. Officials say they have evidence of EUV-related components and transport equipment shipped to China, but have not released it.

ASML denies US government report that its EUV chipmaking tool was shipped to China — says 'rumors' are 'inaccurate and damaging to our reputation'Salem Radio Network NewsBloombergReutersU.S. Alleges ASML’s Most Advanced Chip Tool Is in China; Company Denies BreachTechCrunch

EUV lithography is the only way to make the most advanced chips; ASML of the Netherlands is the sole supplier, operating about 314 machines worldwide, none officially in China. U.S. and allied export rules forbid EUV sales to Chinese entities. A bipartisan bill would also ban ASML’s deep-ultraviolet (DUV) tools, which generate roughly 20 % of its projected 2026 revenue.

U.S. Alleges ASML’s Most Advanced Chip Tool Is in China; Company Denies BreachBloombergASML denies US government report that its EUV chipmaking tool was shipped to China — says 'rumors' are 'inaccurate and damaging to our reputation'Salem Radio Network NewsReutersTechCrunchUS Accuses ASML of Secret China Chip Tool Export; Tech Giant Denies Claims

Howard Lutnick (U.S. Commerce Secretary), Christophe Fouquet (ASML CEO), the Dutch foreign ministry, U.S. Ambassador Joe Popolo, chip-tool makers Lam Research, KLA, Applied Materials, and startup xLight (up to $150 million funding). ASML’s market value is near $700 billion; each EUV scanner weighs 180 tons, contains ~100 000 parts, and is the size of a school bus.

Reuters

ASML said it has never shipped an EUV machine or any EUV-specific component to China, emphasized its transparent dialogue with governments, and affirmed its commitment to comply with U.S. and Dutch export regulations. The Dutch foreign ministry affirmed that export-controlled equipment requires a licence and is strictly enforced. U.S. officials claim evidence of shipments but have not disclosed it.

Salem Radio Network News

Lam Research, KLA and Applied Materials say the alleged breach puts them at a competitive disadvantage. U.S. officials accuse ASML of prioritising profit over security and of supporting Chinese firm SwaySure. Critics note the Commerce Department’s $150 million investment in xLight, a potential challenger to ASML’s EUV monopoly.

U.S. Alleges ASML’s Most Advanced Chip Tool Is in China; Company Denies Breach

The U.S. says it has evidence of EUV-related shipments, yet no documentation has been released. ASML’s internal tracking and a presentation titled “No indication of any ASML EUV System in China” list all 314 machines and assert none are in China. Independent verification of either claim is lacking.

ASML denies US government report that its EUV chipmaking tool was shipped to China — says 'rumors' are 'inaccurate and damaging to our reputation'

• “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.” — ASML spokesperson

Bloomberg

• “ASML regularly engages in transparent and open dialogue with government leaders globally,” — ASML spokesperson

Bloomberg

• “All equipment, components and technology that explicitly fall under these rules require a licence,” — Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Salem Radio Network News

The bipartisan bill could extend the export ban to all ASML DUV tools, potentially cutting 20 % of projected 2026 revenue. The U.S. has not taken a formal stance, but senior officials keep pressing ASML while trade-deal talks may ease pressure.

Bloomberg