Europe’s biggest chip equipment company to US: Don’t blame us for China getting …
Europe’s largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer, ASML, has pushed back against concerns raised by US officials. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, ASML’s clarification comes after the US government raised concerns that one of its advanced chipmaking systems may have reached China. The company insisted that it has never shipped an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machine to the country and should not be blamed for China getting its hands on the technology. In a statement to Reuters, the Dutch company said: “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 added that it has “consistently adjusted its business to any development in export controls to comply to any new rules”.The response came after a Bloomberg report said US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick had raised concerns with ASML executives that EUV technology may have reached China despite export restrictions backed by Washington and its allies.According to the report, Lutnick discussed the issue with senior ASML leaders during a series of meetings. The concerns relate to efforts by the US and its partners to limit China’s ability to develop advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. ASML said it had rejected allegations suggesting it failed to comply with export control requirements.
ASML says it follows Dutch and European export rules
The Dutch government also defended its export control framework, saying that semiconductor equipment exports are subject to strict licensing requirements.“When it comes to the export of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, the Netherlands works with clear rules and control lists, based on the European Dual-Use Regulation and additional national measures,” the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Reuters.“All equipment, components and technology that explicitly fall under these rules require a licence,” the ministry added, noting that the policy is enforced strictly and authorities “step in where necessary”.ASML’s EUV machines are among the most advanced tools used in semiconductor manufacturing. The systems are roughly the size of a school bus and weigh about 180 tons. The latest dispute comes amid ongoing efforts by Washington to tighten restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology.Earlier this year, US lawmakers proposed legislation requiring allied countries to align more closely with American export controls to limit China’s ability to produce advanced chips. ASML’s equipment was specifically referenced in the proposal.This has been of great interest following allegations that Chinese researchers are developing homegrown EUV technology. According to a December 2025 Reuters report, a Chinese project employing former ASML employees built an EUV machine prototype.
