US Lawmakers Demand Chip Equipment Firms Detail China Sales

Bipartisan concerns over China's tech advancements prompt calls for transparency from top semiconductor equipment makers.

US lawmakers have sent letters to major semiconductor equipment firms, including Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA, ASML, and Tokyo Electron, seeking detailed sales information to China.
The House Select Committee on China is concerned that China's access to chipmaking equipment could bolster its military capabilities and lessen the impact of US sanctions.
Lawmakers argue that China is now the largest market for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, potentially threatening US strategic interests.
The Biden administration is considering further export controls, despite some industry pushback over potential impacts on competitiveness.
The companies have been given until December 1 to provide data on their Chinese sales, export licenses, and any plans for production offshoring.