US Expands Chip Export Restrictions to China

The U.S. government has announced new restrictions aimed at limiting the sale of advanced semiconductors to Chinese companies, impacting major manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung. These measures require licensing for exporting chips at the 14- or 16-nanometer level and above a certain transistor count, targeting technologies critical for artificial intelligence and military applications. The restrictions come amid ongoing national security concerns as U.S. officials emphasize the need for chipmakers to conduct due diligence on customers to prevent technology from being diverted to restricted entities, following incidents involving TSMC chips found in Huawei products. The latest regulations build upon previous export controls, reflecting escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over technological dominance in the semiconductor industry. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated that these rules aim to ensure that China's efforts to circumvent U.S. laws are unsuccessful. The situation underscores the broader implications for global supply chains and the semiconductor market as countries navigate the complex landscape of technology export regulations.