US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has raised concerns that one of ASML's most advanced EUV lithography machines may have reached China in violation of export controls, according to reporting made public on June 19, 2026. ASML denies it has ever shipped an EUV tool to China.
June 19, 2026 · US Commerce Department × ASML
US Tells ASML It Fears Its Most Advanced Chip Tool Reached China
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has raised concerns that an EUV lithography machine — the single most critical tool for cutting-edge chips — may have reached China in breach of export curbs. ASML strongly denies any intentional violation.
~20%
of ASML revenue from China (2026), mainly DUV tools
2019
EUV exports to China effectively banned, US-led, since around this year
$100M+
cost per EUV tool — ASML the sole global supplier
Why EUV is the choke point
Chip nodes ASML's tools can mass-produce — shorter wavelength reaches smaller features.
DUV
Above 7nm
EUV
7nm and below
EUV is essential for the most advanced AI logic chips — the tool at the center of the probe.
Key facts of the dispute
Tool in question: top-of-the-line EUV lithography machine (model undisclosed)US claim: evidence of EUV-related transport equipment and parts shipped to ChinaFlagged loophole: DUV maintenance and service for Chinese customersStatus: violation only suspected; ASML denies any intentional breach
US position
Lutnick is said to be frustrated that ASML prioritizes short-term profit over national security. New bills — including April 2026's MATCH Act — push to align rules on allied firms with those on US companies.
ASML position
ASML has never sold EUV machines to China and denies any illegal export. It says it complies with every export-control change and rejects any claim of an intentional violation.
What's at stake: with ~20% of revenue tied to China, a confirmed EUV violation could weigh heavily on ASML's sales and share price — while Chinese firms race to build EUV capability without it, setting up the next flashpoint in the US–China chip standoff.
Continue reading The rest of this article is for AI News Blitz readers. Choose an option below to keep reading.
Already purchased? Sign in ✓ Signed in — this article isn’t included in your current plan.Unlocking the full article…