ASML, Europe's most valuable company and the sole manufacturer of extreme-ultraviolet lithography machines, has denied U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's allegation that one of its systems reached China.
ASML said it maintains precise knowledge of all 340 EUV machines it has produced, including 26 that have been decommissioned, and that none are located in China. "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.
The Dutch company said only its personnel are authorized to transport the highly sensitive machines, and it monitors all equipment online and ensures its engineers handle components shipped to customer fabrication plants.
The U.S. has not provided evidence to support Lutnick's allegation, despite repeated requests from ASML. The Dutch government has also pushed back against the assertion.
Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visited Washington in late June to meet with Lutnick, other U.S. officials and members of Congress. He sought to reassure American counterparts that the Dutch government rigorously enforces export controls on EUV technology.
Speaking to The Economist on July 2, Sjoerdsma declined to detail his conversations about Lutnick's claim. He confirmed that the Dutch government is not currently investigating the allegation, saying that any investigation or prosecution would occur "obviously" if grounds existed.
The U.S. administration has blocked ASML's EUV machine exports to China since 2019. These machines are essential for manufacturing the world's most advanced semiconductors.
While no supporting information has been released publicly, some individuals briefed on the matter have described the claim as "unverified" yet "not unfounded." Many industry experts view the shipment of an entire EUV machine to China as highly improbable, though some believe related components could have reached China through ASML suppliers or other third parties.
