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Global Semiconductor Maker Tokyo Electron Reportedly Dropping Huawei

Being put on a U.S. Department of Commerce blacklist could have an even greater impact on Huawei than expected. Reuters today reported that Tokyo Electron, the world's third-largest supplier of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, plans to cease business with any companies on the U.S. blacklist.
The report portrayed Tokyo Electron's decision as a show of solidarity for its U.S. rivals. Reuters cited an anonymous executive at the company as saying "we would not do business with Chinese clients with whom Applied Materials and Lam Research are barred from doing business" because "it is crucial for us that the US government and industry see us as a fair company . " (Not least because it does not want to threaten its supply of U.S. goods.)
Huawei, but the tension escalates between the U.S. and China, other companies might be added to that blacklist. U.S. President Donald Trump already declared a national emergency related to the U.S. ' reliance on tech purchased from "foreign adversaries." It would not be surprising if his administration decided that increasing tariffs would be more effective than blacklisting more companies.
Those decisions have already led many U.S. companies, from Google to much of the semiconductor industry, to cut ties with Huawei. But the blacklist does not only affect U.S. companies that directly work with the Chinese smartphone maker - companies that import U.S. products and intellectual property could also be affected. That's why Arm, and now Tokyo Electron, opted to drop Huawei as a customer despite being based outside the U.S.
They might not be the only ones. Reuters said that other Japanese companies have considered Tokyo Electron's lead in ceasing business with blacklisted Chinese firms. The companies are said to be working with Japan's industry ministry to determine the appropriate course of action, with one exec telling Reuters that "we are aware that we could be in trouble if we take advantage of the US export ban to expand businesses with China . N. Mott