US penalizes two Chinese companies that acquired tools for chipmaker SMIC

Core Viewpoint - The United States has imposed penalties on two Chinese firms involved in acquiring U.S. chipmaking equipment for China's leading chipmaker SMIC, adding them to a restricted trade list that includes 32 entities, with 23 of them based in China [1] Group 1 - The U.S. government has added two Chinese firms to its Commerce Department's restricted trade list [1] - A total of 32 entities were added to this list, indicating a broader crackdown on foreign firms involved in sensitive technology acquisitions [1] - Among the 32 entities, 23 are located in China, highlighting the focus on Chinese companies in the U.S. trade policy [1]