The Biden administration is set to announce new export restrictions targeting China’s advancement in artificial intelligence (AI), according to Wired. These controls are expected to focus on Chinese semiconductor production, particularly companies associated with Huawei.
The proposed measures may involve adding approximately 200 Chinese firms to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) entity list, requiring special licenses for them to access U.S. software and products. This move could significantly limit their access to critical technologies, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips crucial for advanced GPUs and AI chips.
Reports suggest that the Biden administration is considering restrictions on HBM chips, with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce informing its members about the impending export controls. These efforts align with the U.S.’s ongoing strategy to curb China’s technological progress, building on measures initiated during the Trump administration.
The potential sanctions are expected to pose challenges for China’s AI sector, impacting companies like Huawei that heavily rely on advanced semiconductors. The semiconductor industry could experience ripple effects, with U.S. chipmakers like NVIDIA Corporation possibly facing reduced demand from Chinese firms.
China has criticized the anticipated measures, accusing the U.S. of using national security as a pretext to hinder its technological development. Despite opposition, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has warned about the controls, indicating a phased rollout.