Two of ACM’s units, based in Shanghai and South Korea, were among a number of firms barred last year from receiving US technology over claims they have supported the Chinese government’s efforts at harnessing commercial technology for military use and making advanced chips or chipmaking tools. ACM denies the allegations.
The two so-called wet etch tools, used for removing material from the silicon wafers that are transformed into semiconductors, were tested for possible use in Intel’s most advanced chipmaking process, known as 14A. That process is due for an initial launch in 2027.
Reuters could not determine if Intel had made a decision to add the tools to the advanced chipmaking process and has no evidence that the company violated any US regulations. ACM said it could not comment on “specific customer engagements,” but can confirm that “ACMR’s US team has sold and delivered multiple tools from our Asian operations to domestic customers.” It also said it has disclosed the shipment of three tools to a major US-based semiconductor manufacturer, which are being tested and some of which have met performance standards.
–Reuters–
