U.S. to Release a List of Chinese Factories Subject to Export Controls for Semiconductor Equipment

According to a report by Reuters on the 28th (local time), the U.S. government is compiling a list of advanced semiconductor manufacturing plants in China that are subject to export controls, such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

A source familiar with the matter told the news agency that the list could be released soon.

Reuters reported that U.S. government officials mentioned this at the annual export control conference held in Washington DC this week in response to company requests.

One official confirmed that they are compiling the list, stating, “People are saying, Please tell us what advanced factories the government cares about.”

He added, “This won’t be a complete list,” but “if it can help identify the facilities we’re concerned about, it will be helpful for sanctions compliance.”

This move by the U.S. government aims to make it easier for U.S. companies to comply with export controls on semiconductor equipment to China.

Previously, the U.S. government announced export control measures in October 2022, prohibiting the sale of advanced U.S. semiconductor equipment to Chinese manufacturers and restricting exports of semiconductor chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputers.

The Commerce Department also introduced follow-up measures to strengthen existing sanctions in October last year.

Companies have requested the Commerce Department release a list of sanctioned factories producing advanced semiconductors in China. According to Reuters, it is difficult to identify these factories.