Overview
- Intel evaluated two ACM wet‑etch tools this year for potential use in its 14A manufacturing program, according to Reuters sources.
- Two ACM units in Shanghai and South Korea were placed on the U.S. Entity List in 2024; ACM denies the allegations and says its U.S. operations are isolated from sanctioned affiliates.
- Reuters reported no evidence that Intel violated U.S. regulations and said it could not determine whether the tools will be adopted for production.
- ACM said its U.S. team has delivered multiple tools to domestic customers, including three to a “major U.S.-based” chipmaker that are under test, with some meeting performance targets.
- The revelation has drawn bipartisan calls to curb China‑linked equipment in subsidized U.S. fabs, as ACM builds out a hub near Intel’s Oregon R&D campus and engages in local tool qualifications.