The alleged shipment of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of semiconductor manufacturing tools to a sanctioned and partly state-owned entity (SMIC) without proper export licensing raises serious ethical concerns in business practices. This behavior may facilitate technology transfer to a regime with authoritarian tendencies and undermines compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.

US government extends investigation into Applied Materials for alleged China sanction breach

The large proportion of lobbyists who previously held government positions suggests a revolving door situation. Such practices risk undermining democratic processes by blurring the lines between public service and corporate lobbying, potentially leading to regulatory capture and increased corporate influence in political decision-making.

Applied Materials Inc Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

The reported political contribution, though modest in amount, involves corporate engagement in the political process via PAC funds. From an anti-fascist perspective, any corporate political funding can be seen as amplifying corporate influence, and even moderate contributions may indirectly support structures that allow for authoritarian influence. This earns a slightly negative score as it reinforces corporate political involvement.

PAC Profile: Applied Materials Inc – OpenSecrets

The shipment of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to a blacklisted entity directly involves critical technology. This irresponsible transfer not only flouts regulatory mandates, but it also risks enabling the technological capabilities of regimes that may have authoritarian tendencies.

U.S. Opens Criminal Investigation Into Applied Materials Shipments to China Chipmaker

The presence and activity of a political action committee, as detailed on the FEC website, indicate that Applied Materials is engaged in political financial activities. While the information is primarily archival and informational, such corporate political contributions can be used to influence policy in ways that may undermine progressive reforms, raising concerns from an anti-authoritarian perspective.

APPLIED MATERIALS, INC. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE - committee overview

While the report indicates that ICT companies, including Applied Materials, perform relatively better on supply chain ethics compared to other sectors, the overall benchmark score remains low. Thus, even though supply chain practices are a marginally positive aspect, they do not offset the broader issues in labor relations.

Applied Materials ICT Manufacturing

The SuCCESS2030 initiative demonstrates a proactive commitment to ethical supply chain practices by emphasizing environmental sustainability, human rights, and diversity. By setting concrete targets such as reducing carbon emissions, eliminating toxic practices, and increasing spending with minority-owned businesses, Applied Materials is enhancing supply chain transparency and accountability in a manner consistent with anti-fascist, socially responsible policies.

Applied Materials Launches Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative

The initiative emphasizes improved labor relations and human rights practices within the supply chain. By promoting diversity and inclusion and holding suppliers to ethical standards, Applied Materials demonstrates a commitment to protecting worker rights and advancing fair labor practices.

Applied Materials Launches Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative