The U.S. Commerce Department is investigating whether Ronda Korea, a South Korean company, has been selling chipmaking equipment to Chinese firms. U.S.-based Lam Research produces the equipment, which was reportedly procured by Chinese companies subject to U.S. sanctions, reports The Information. The probe somewhat mimics another DoC investigation exploring shipments of Applied Materials tools to Chinese entities via South Korea.
The U.S. DoC is specifically examining whether Ronda Korea resold components for chipmaking equipment made by Lam Research to Chinese entities. Lam Research told The Information that Ronda Korea is not an authorized supplier and is cooperating with the Commerce Department to comply with export restrictions to China. Ronda Korea has not commented on the matter, and the Commerce Department has not disclosed specific details about the investigation.
