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Commerce Department and MACOM Partner to Bolster U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain

mineral macom BIS global trade export hubs safety supply chain global trade integrity supply chain commerce u.s

Commerce Department and MACOM Partner to Bolster U.S. Semiconductor Supply Chain

The U.S. Department of Commerce has signed a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) with MACOM Technology Solutions Inc., proposing up to $70 million in direct funding under the CHIPS and Science Act. This investment aims to enhance the resilience of the U.S. defense and telecommunications supply chains by expanding and modernizing MACOM’s facilities in Lowell, Massachusetts, and Durham, North Carolina.

Read also: Commerce Department Expands Advocacy to Boost U.S. Global Competitiveness

The initiative is expected to generate up to 350 new manufacturing jobs and nearly 60 construction jobs across the two states.

“This announcement demonstrates how CHIPS for America is making strategic investments to strengthen supply chain security and advance U.S. technological leadership,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

MACOM’s facilities, designated Category 1A Trusted Foundries by the Department of Defense (DoD), play a crucial role in producing advanced compound semiconductors. These components support high-frequency defense systems like radar and are essential for commercial applications in telecommunications. The funding will boost production capacity for existing 100mm Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors while introducing 150mm GaN production.

By increasing domestic manufacturing capabilities, the investment aims to meet future demand for Radio Frequency (RF) and microwave GaN technology, both for defense and the broader industrial base.

National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard praised the initiative, saying, “The CHIPS and Science Act is driving the development of cutting-edge technologies, safeguarding national security, and fostering economic growth in communities across the U.S.”

MACOM plans to leverage the Department of the Treasury’s Advanced Manufacturing Investment Credit (CHIPS ITC), which covers 25% of qualified capital expenditures, to support this project.

Additionally, the proposed funding will allow MACOM to expand its workforce development programs, including training, internships, and collaborations with leading U.S. universities on semiconductor research.

The PMT reflects the Department of Commerce’s commitment to due diligence and rigorous evaluation of potential projects before finalizing funding agreements. The terms of the final award may differ based on further negotiations and milestone achievements.

This partnership highlights the CHIPS and Science Act’s role in fortifying the U.S. semiconductor industry and maintaining technological leadership in critical sectors.

mineral macom BIS global trade export hubs safety supply chain global trade integrity supply chain commerce u.s

Commerce Department Expands Advocacy to Boost U.S. Global Competitiveness

The U.S. Department of Commerce has unveiled an expanded initiative to support American companies vying for major international investment and concession projects. The move responds to intensifying competition in global markets, particularly from strategic adversaries, and addresses industry demands for stronger tools to counter unfair foreign practices.

Read also: U.S. Commerce Department and Microchip Technology Forge $162 Million Preliminary Deal to Strengthen Semiconductor Supply Chain

The expanded Advocacy Center services will focus on aiding U.S. businesses in securing contracts across key sectors like energy, infrastructure, and critical minerals. These efforts are expected to bolster the U.S. economy by fostering export growth and strengthening supply chains.

“This marks a significant step forward in leveling the global playing field for U.S. businesses while reinforcing America’s leadership on the world stage,” stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Economic security is national security. By responding to the needs of our companies and building stronger commercial ties, we are creating jobs, enhancing our industrial base, and securing resilient supply chains back home.”

Since its establishment in 1993, the Advocacy Center has played a pivotal role in helping American businesses compete for major foreign government contracts. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the center supported U.S. companies in winning deals worth $72.6 billion, contributing to the creation of approximately 300,000 jobs.

This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader strategy to enhance opportunities for American businesses in sectors crucial to global economic development. By strengthening advocacy services, the Department of Commerce aims to sharpen U.S. competitiveness, expand export opportunities, and help American firms succeed in an increasingly dynamic international marketplace.

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U.S. Commerce Department Honors 64 Companies with Top Export Awards

The U.S. Department of Commerce today recognized 64 companies and organizations from across the country with the prestigious President’s “E” and “E Star” Awards for their contributions to expanding U.S. exports.

Read also: US Department of Commerce Establishes U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute to Lead AI Safety Efforts

Established in 1961 by Executive Order, the President’s “E” Award represents the highest honor given to U.S. entities that have significantly boosted exports. Nominated by the International Trade Administration’s (ITA) U.S. Commercial Service, recipients include companies that have shown sustained export growth and those facilitating exports for others.

“Trade impacts the lives of every American worker, business, and community,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “I am proud to recognize this year’s President’s ‘E’ and ‘E Star’ award recipients for their efforts and contributions to increase economic prosperity across our country and further position the U.S. private sector as the partner of choice in markets around the globe.”

Recipients, representing 32 states, were honored at a ceremony held at the U.S. Department of Commerce Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The awards were categorized as follows:

“E” Award for Exports

This year, 30 companies were honored with the “E” Award for Exports for demonstrating a sustained increase in export sales over a four-year period.

  1. American Fuel Cell and Coated Fabrics – Magnolia, Arkansas
  2. Lira Cosmeceutical, Inc. – Dublin, California
  3. Loring Smart Roast – Santa Rosa, California
  4. Resecurity, Inc. – Los Angeles, California
  5. Sentro Technologies USA, LLC – Newport Beach, California
  6. Defibtech LLC – Guilford, Connecticut
  7. Element 119 – Thomaston, Connecticut
  8. The Woodstock Academy – Woodstock, Connecticut
  9. International Code Council – Washington, District of Columbia
  10. Cunsa International LLC – Miami, Florida
  11. Pan American Zinc – Miami, Florida
  12. Trans Globe LLC – Woodstock, Georgia
  13. Stellar Industries – Garner, Iowa
  14. High Point Aerotechnologies – Boise, Idaho
  15. Cimcor, Inc. – Merrillville, Indiana
  16. Oscarware, Inc. – Bonnieville, Kentucky
  17. Wildlife Acoustics, Inc. – Maynard, Massachusetts
  18. University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, Missouri
  19. NearshoreNetworks – Asheville, North Carolina
  20. Sciencix, Inc. – Cary, North Carolina
  21. Sable Systems International, Inc. – North Las Vegas, Nevada
  22. Ben–Amun Company Inc. – New York, New York
  23. AcraDyne – Portland, Oregon
  24. Inert Products LLC – Scranton, Pennsylvania
  25. Loh Medical – Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania
  26. Ruff Land Performance Kennels – Tea, South Dakota
  27. BEYOND International Inc. – Sugarland, Texas
  28. Fleetsoft – Plano, Texas
  29. Mil Agro, Inc. – Hyrum, Utah
  30. ExploreLearning, LLC – Charlottesville, Virginia

“E” Award for Export Service

Ten companies and organizations received the “E” Award for Export Service for assisting and facilitating export activities.

  1. Regions Bank – Birmingham, Alabama
  2. Atrafin LLC – La Jolla, California
  3. Center for Global Business, Robert H. Smith School of Business – College Park, Maryland
  4. Dorian Drake International – White Plains, New York
  5. New York City Tourism + Conventions – New York, New York
  6. JZJ Insurance Services, Inc. – Columbus, Ohio
  7. Regional Growth Partnership Inc. – Toledo, Ohio
  8. L. Swearer Co. Inc. – Moon, Pennsylvania
  9. Torres Trade Law, PLLC – Dallas, Texas
  10. Direct Online Marketing – Wheeling, West Virginia

“E Star” Award for Exports

Thirteen companies received the “E” Star Award for Exports, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees that have reported four years of additional export growth.

  1. American Trading International Inc. – Los Angeles, California*
  2. Miyamoto International, Inc – West Sacramento, California
  3. Walton and Post, Inc. – Miami, Florida*
  4. HornerXpress Worldwide – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
  5. Sigma Recycling – Norcross, Georgia
  6. Flexo Concepts – Plymouth, Massachusetts
  7. Sunnen Products Company – St. Louis, Missouri*
  8. Argus Fire Control, Inc – Charlotte, North Carolina
  9. Equilibar – Fletcher, North Carolina
  10. Intelligent Security Systems – Woodbridge, New Jersey
  11. Ace Pump Corporation – Memphis, Tennessee*
  12. Hydro-Thermal Corporation – Waukesha, Wisconsin*
  13. S3 AeroDefense, LLC – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“E Star” Award for Export Service

Eleven entities were awarded the “E” Star Award for Export Service, which recognizes previous “E” Awardees that have shown four years of continued support of exporters since first winning the “E” Award.

  1. IAPMO – Ontario, California
  2. Intralink – Saratoga, California
  3. Robinson + Cole – Hartford, Connecticut
  4. National U.S.–Arab Chamber of Commerce – Washington, District of Columbia
  5. IBT Online LLC – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
  6. Massachusetts Export Center – Newtown, Massachusetts
  7. The New Jersey Office of Export Promotion – Trenton, New Jersey*
  8. American Association of Independent Music – New York, New York
  9. Ohio Department of Development – Columbus, Ohio
  10. FedEx Corporation – Memphis, Tennessee
  11. Virginia Economic Development Partnership Division of International Trade – Richmond, Virginia

*This is the second “E Star” award for this recipient.

Nominations for the “E” Awards are made through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service office network within the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. For more information on the awards and the benefits of exporting, visit commerce.gov/tags/e–awards.