Tariffs, Trade, and the Cleaning Edge - ACM Research

In this episode, Sabrina and Carlos zoom in on a critical—but often overlooked—segment of the semiconductor ecosystem: cleaning equipment. Building on our “Semiconductor 101” kickoff, we take a closer look at ACM Research (ACMR), a standout player in wafer cleaning tools.

Why focus on ACMR? Not only does it lead the cleaning equipment space in China, but it also sits at the intersection of the ongoing US-China trade war. We use ACMR’s unique story to explore how tariffs and export controls are reshaping the industry, what it means for companies with deep roots in China, and whether those China-driven advantages can really be replaced. If you’re curious about how policy and geopolitics play out in real-world business decisions, this episode is for you.