United States, new restrictions on exports to China

The Biden administration is preparing to introduce new export restrictions to China, according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce memo sent to members Thursday. The new regulations could include adding about 200 Chinese semiconductor companies to the trade restriction list, severely limiting access to U.S. suppliers. According to the email, obtained in part by Reuters, the U.S. Department of Commerce plans to release these new regulations before Thanksgiving, which is next Thursday. However, neither the Chamber of Commerce nor the Department of Commerce have made official comments on the matter.

The measures represent a further step by the Biden administration in blocking China’s access to advanced technologies, such as semiconductors, over fears that these could be used to boost Chinese military capabilities. Already in the past, the US administration has imposed strict regulations to slow down Chinese technological progress, an approach that does not appear to be slowing down, despite the approach of the inauguration of a new Republican government, expected in January.

A further set of regulations, focused on high-bandwidth memory and part of a broader package related to artificial intelligence, is expected to be introduced next month. Additionally, the first round of restrictions could include significant limitations on the sale of chipmaking tools destined for the Chinese market. Sources close to the matter had already anticipated in July the United States’ intention to extend trade restrictions to include over 120 Chinese entities. These developments confirm a coherent and stringent strategy towards Beijing, aimed at protecting the technological leadership and national security of the United States.