ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:ASML, XETRA:ASME) is facing questions from the Trump administration after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick raised concerns in recent meetings that one of the Dutch company's extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUV) machines may have reached China in violation of export restrictions, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.
According to Bloomberg, Lutnick discussed the issue during a series of meetings with senior ASML executives. EUV systems, which are used to manufacture the world's most advanced semiconductors, have never been authorized for shipment to China under export controls introduced during President Donald Trump's first administration.
Bloomberg reported that ASML disputed the suggestion, telling US officials that none of its EUV machines are in China. The company noted that the systems are produced in limited quantities, are roughly the size of a school bus and require ongoing maintenance by ASML personnel.
"ASML regularly engages in transparent and open dialogue with government leaders globally," a company spokesperson told Bloomberg. "We recognize the national security considerations behind export control regulations in the US and the Netherlands, and we're fully committed to complying with all applicable regulations."
The spokesperson added that ASML has never shipped an EUV machine to China and has previously refuted "unfounded rumors regarding non-compliance with export controls concerning China."
Bloomberg also reported that multiple senior Trump administration officials believe they have evidence that ASML exported equipment related to EUV systems to China, though they declined to provide proof or indicate whether they have evidence that an actual EUV machine is located in the country.
The US Commerce Department did not respond to Bloomberg's requests for comment.
It remains unclear what information US officials are seeking from ASML or what evidence would resolve the matter, Bloomberg reported. The issue adds to ongoing scrutiny of ASML's business activities involving China amid broader US efforts to limit Beijing's access to advanced semiconductor technology.