The United States has introduced new export controls to limit China’s ability to develop advanced semiconductor technology and slow its progress in military applications and artificial intelligence (AI). These measures, described as the most stringent to date, target both U.S. companies and foreign firms utilizing American technology in chip-making equipment.
The controls include a ban on exporting high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to China, a crucial component in AI systems. According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, the restrictions are “groundbreaking and comprehensive.” She emphasized their importance, saying, “These are the strongest controls ever imposed by the United States to reduce the People’s Republic of China’s ability to produce the most advanced chips used in its military modernization.”
In addition, the U.S. Department of Commerce will place 140 Chinese entities on its Entity List, often referred to as a “blacklist.” Companies on this list must obtain export licenses, which are expected to be nearly impossible to secure. Notable targets include, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), Huawei Technologies, and Chinese firms involved in chip production equipment manufacturing.
According to the Financial Times, the regulations will affect 24 types of chip-making tools previously untouched. To enforce these rules more effectively, the U.S. will apply the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), impacting non-U.S. companies using American components or technology.
Notably, some U.S. allies, such as Japan and the Netherlands, have been granted FDPR exemptions after agreeing to adopt their own export controls. South Korea is awaiting a similar waiver. An unnamed U.S. official explained that the FDPR aims to prevent companies from circumventing controls by manufacturing tools in locations like Singapore or Malaysia for export to China.
The strategy reflects internal debates within the Biden administration regarding the extent of controls, particularly on Huawei’s operations. Some facilities of the Shenzhen-based company are not yet operational, raising questions about their capability for producing advanced chips. Officials appear divided, balancing tighter restrictions with the need for cooperation from allies.
Interestingly, some experts, including Gregory Allen, an AI specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), have noted that leading U.S. toolmakers, such as Applied Materials, KLA, and Lam Research, are doubling their production capacity outside the U.S.
Despite the robust measures, questions remain regarding why certain Chinese manufacturers, such as CXMT, a producer of HBM, have not been added to the Entity List. Officials believe other restrictions will limit CXMT’s production capabilities, though some have argued for more direct action.
