TMTPOST — The Biden administration in the U.S. is expected to announce a fresh round of export restrictions focusing on China as early as next week, according to an email from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
These new measures could place up to 200 Chinese semiconductor companies on a trade restriction list, effectively blocking most U.S. suppliers from doing business with the designated firms. The email, sent to Chamber members on Thursday, states that the U.S. Commerce Department plans to issue the regulations before the Thanksgiving holiday on November 28.
If confirmed, the move would be a clear demonstration of the Biden administration's commitment to tightening export controls on China, even as Donald Trump, the Republican President-elect, prepares to take office in January. These efforts aim to restrict China's access to critical semiconductor technology, fears that it could be used to strengthen its military capabilities.
In addition to this imminent announcement, further regulations targeting shipments of high-bandwidth memory chips to China are anticipated next month. These regulations are reportedly part of a broader initiative to curb China's advancements in artificial intelligence technology, according to the email.
Sources close to the situation indicate that the initial regulations are expected to include restrictions on the export of chipmaking tools to China. In July, the Biden administration announced plans to add approximately 120 Chinese entities to the U.S. restricted trade list as part of a broader package of export controls.
The Biden administration has already implemented several measures to restrict China's access to advanced technologies, emphasizing national security concerns. These new restrictions would further tighten the grip on China's semiconductor industry and its broader technological ambitions.
In response to the growing restrictions, China has increased its semiconductor imports. According to China’s General Administration of Customs, the country imported 4,556.2 billion integrated circuits (ICs) from January to October 2024, a 15% increase year-on-year. The total value of these imports reached $315.37 billion, up 11.3%. In October alone, IC imports were valued at $34.26 billion, reflecting a modest 0.1% year-on-year increase.
Jinan-based Lujing Semiconductor expressed concerns about the tightening measures of the Trump administration. While Biden's policies target advanced technologies, Trump’s proposals—such as a 60% tariff on Chinese goods—could disrupt the entire semiconductor supply chain, including mature technologies.
In a statement on its official account, Lujing Semiconductor emphasized the importance of self-reliance, saying, “Trump’s first term highlighted the critical need for localization in the semiconductor industry. His return may impose even greater pressure, but China’s vast market and robust industry remain attractive to the global supply chain. With sustained efforts in market-driven and international collaboration, China can effectively navigate U.S. sanctions.”
The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, has reiterated Beijing’s opposition to U.S. export controls, calling the measures a politicization and weaponization of trade and technology issues.
China has vowed to closely monitor the situation and safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Lin urged the global community to reject coercion and uphold a fair and open international trade order.
