U.S. officials are probing whether an ASML EUV system reached China in breach of export controls, while ASML and the Dutch government say no such shipment was made and licensing rules are strictly enforced.
U.S. officials are examining whether an ASML extreme ultraviolet, or EUV, lithography machine may have reached China despite export restrictions, according to Bloomberg, which said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raised the issue in meetings with ASML executives. ASML denied the allegation, stating it has never shipped an EUV machine to China or any component, module, or equipment specially designed for one. The Dutch government told Reuters it strictly enforces licensing rules on controlled chip-making equipment, components and technology. The episode highlights continued geopolitical tension around advanced semiconductor tools, even as the U.S. has recently eased some restrictions on selected AI chip exports to China.