US Lawmakers Raise Security Concerns Over Intel Testing ACM Research Chipmaking Tools

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has raised national security concerns regarding Intel’s testing of semiconductor manufacturing equipment produced by ACM Research, according to a report by Reuters. The concerns were highlighted in a letter sent Wednesday to Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan by lawmakers led by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Senator Tom Cotton.

ACM Research, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer headquartered in Fremont, California, has significant operational ties to China. The company also operates two overseas units that have previously been targeted by U.S. sanctions. Lawmakers worry that Intel’s testing of ACM Research chipmaking tools could potentially expose sensitive semiconductor manufacturing processes, which may ultimately benefit Chinese technology firms and military-linked companies.

According to the letter, ACM Research counts several Chinese semiconductor companies among its customers, including Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. (YMTC), ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC). These companies have faced U.S. sanctions due to national security concerns. Lawmakers warned that ACM’s access to Intel’s facilities could allow the company to gain insight into advanced chip manufacturing techniques, which could strengthen China’s semiconductor industry and military capabilities.

The lawmakers stated that if ACM Research gains exposure to Intel’s cutting-edge chip production processes, it could improve the competitiveness of Chinese technology firms. This possibility has heightened concerns about the protection of sensitive U.S. semiconductor technology and the broader implications for national security.

Intel responded by clarifying that ACM Research tools are not used in its active semiconductor production processes. The company emphasized that it strictly complies with U.S. laws and regulations and maintains regular communication with government authorities regarding security and compliance matters.

ACM Research did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, the company previously stated that it cannot discuss specific customer relationships. ACM did confirm that its U.S. team has sold and delivered several semiconductor manufacturing tools produced by its Asian operations to domestic customers. The company also disclosed shipping three tools to a major U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer for testing, with some equipment meeting performance requirements.

The bipartisan letter was also signed by Democratic Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Andy Kim, along with Republican lawmakers Jim Banks and Pete Ricketts. Their concerns reflect growing bipartisan scrutiny of China’s involvement in the U.S. semiconductor industry.

The issue also comes amid heightened attention on Intel’s relationship with the U.S. government. After receiving substantial government support, the U.S. government now holds a financial stake in the semiconductor giant. Lawmakers noted that this creates additional responsibilities for Intel to safeguard taxpayer interests and protect American leadership in advanced chip manufacturing.

The lawmakers also referenced previous investigations by the House Select Committee on China, which reported concerns in October that ACM Research had sold semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a company operating in the United States that later approved the tools for use in its production lines.

In their letter, lawmakers questioned whether Intel’s connections with companies linked to sanctioned Chinese entities could undermine U.S. national security. They also raised concerns that taxpayer funding provided to support domestic semiconductor manufacturing could indirectly benefit Chinese firms.

As geopolitical tensions between the United States and China continue to influence global semiconductor supply chains, the scrutiny surrounding Intel, ACM Research, and their potential technological ties highlights the increasing importance of safeguarding advanced chipmaking technology.