WASHINGTON, March 6, 2026, 07:12 EST
- Intel faced questions from U.S. senators Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton after reports surfaced about tests involving ACM Research chipmaking tools.
- Intel stated its semiconductor manufacturing doesn’t involve the use of ACM tools.
- This week, Intel’s CFO said the company could open up its 18A manufacturing process to external customers.
A group of U.S. lawmakers from both parties is putting pressure on Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, questioning the company’s use of chipmaking equipment from ACM Research over national security worries. The lawmakers want specifics on the testing and what safeguards are in place, as Washington sharpens its focus on supply-chain exposure in the advanced semiconductor space. 1
Questions are swirling as Intel works to claw back its manufacturing lead and pitch its foundry services — that’s contract chipmaking — to external clients. Restrictions on tool qualification or supplier collaboration could drag out those efforts, adding to expenses.
The timing complicates Tan’s bid to turn things around. His push has thrust Intel’s factories back into the spotlight, with the whole strategy now riding on convincing customers and governments that its process technology can deliver on both competitiveness and security.
Senators Warren and Cotton, with Pete Ricketts, Andy Kim, Jim Banks, and Elissa Slotkin signing on, pressed Intel in a letter dated Wednesday for details on any due diligence performed on ACM equipment. They also questioned whether the company consulted the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security. The lawmakers want Intel to confirm—by March 20—whether it will avoid testing or using gear from firms tied to the Entity List unless it gets prior BIS sign-off. 2
According to a statement quoted by Reuters, Intel said ACM tools “are not used in Intel’s semiconductor production processes.” The company added that it complies with U.S. laws and works with the U.S. government on security issues.
ACM Research (ACMR.O), a chip-equipment manufacturer headquartered in California, maintains strong ties to China and operates overseas arms that landed on U.S. sanctions lists. Lawmakers pointed out that ACM counts Chinese companies like YMTC and SMIC—both subject to U.S. curbs—among its clients, fueling worries that testing processes might leak sensitive technology.
Senators warned that ACM’s presence “in Intel’s facilities” could give it access to “cutting-edge chipmaking processes,” Reuters reported, a setup they say might help ACM and Chinese military-linked firms sharpen their competitive edge.
Reuters reached out to ACM for comment, but got no immediate reply. The company has told Reuters before that it can’t discuss individual customer deals. It has, however, disclosed the shipment of three tools to a “major U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer” for testing. Some of those have hit performance targets, according to the company.
According to the letter, lawmakers flagged Intel’s unique position—since the U.S. government owns a stake in the company—as a factor that complicates its obligations to the public interest. They say this tie brings up questions about what Intel owes to the public.
In a separate development this week, Intel CFO David Zinsner suggested that Tan may be questioning Intel’s plan to keep its 18A process restricted to internal use—a move that could potentially make the technology available to outside foundry clients. “He’s now starting to recognize that this is actually a good node to offer to external customers as well,” Zinsner told the Morgan Stanley conference. 3
Intel is working to close the manufacturing gap with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co and Samsung Electronics. It’s also fending off Advanced Micro Devices in its crucial PC and server markets, all while trying to expand its AI data center offerings—a segment where Nvidia still holds the lead.
Still, there are hazards here. Congress taking a closer look might bring tougher standards for tool qualification or force more compliance hurdles. And for Intel, landing outside foundry business isn’t just about that—yields, the portion of good chips per wafer, need to get better, plus the company has to stick to its technology roadmap.
