TECH

US takes steps to curb semiconductor development by Huawei

Donald Trump's government on Friday announced a series of measures to restrict the ability of Chinese group Huawei, which Washington considers a threat to national security, to develop semiconductors abroad with American technology.
"This announcement blocks Huawei's efforts to bypass United States export controls," the Commerce Department said in a statement.
The text adds that it will focus "specifically and strategically on Huawei's acquisition of semiconductors that are a direct product of certain US software and technologies".
The Chinese technology company specializing in telecommunications is under extreme pressure from Washington, which with its lobby has secured allies around the world to avoid equipment developed by Huawei in the name of security, in a context of trade war between China and the United States .
Last year, the White House put Huawei on a list that prevents it from buying major components and operating in the United States market, although it ordered a series of extensions to allow American companies working with Chinese to adjust to the prohibitions.
This Friday, the extension was extended for another 90 days.
The Commerce Department explained that since Huawei was blacklisted in 2019, American companies that wish to export components must obtain a government license.
Huawei, however, continued to use software and technology to design semiconductors by outsourcing production to factories outside the United States, where equipment made in the United States is also used, the Commerce Department added.
For Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the triangulation that Huawei uses to circumvent restrictions is unacceptable.
"This is not how a responsible global corporate citizen behaves," he said.

Source: AFP