The U.S. government is planning to impose stricter regulations to block shipments of advanced processors made by major foundries like TSMC, GlobalFoundries, Intel, and Samsung Foundry to China. These restrictions target chips with 30 billion transistors or more, manufactured using 14nm or 16nm process technologies or smaller.
Key Details of the New Export Restrictions
- Targeted Technology: Processors with 30 billion transistors or more, made on 14nm or 16nm nodes (or smaller).
- Restriction: Such chips are presumed restricted for shipment to entities in China and other specified countries unless an export license is obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
- Exceptions:
- Chip designers from the U.S., Taiwan, or allied nations may apply for export licenses for "authorized customers."
- Processors with fewer than 30 billion transistors and packaged by trusted companies are exempt.
Impact on Various Chip Categories
While many modern processors rely on 14nm, 16nm, or more advanced technologies, most client CPUs (excluding GPUs) contain fewer than 30 billion transistors. These will be generally unaffected by the ban. However:
- Client CPUs: Will generally not be subject to export controls.
- GPUs: Mainstream GPUs from AMD, Intel, and Nvidia, even those previously deemed unrestricted, now require export licenses if shipped to Chinese entities due to the transistor count.
AI and Loopholes
The U.S. government aims to prevent the sale of moderately or highly advanced AI GPUs to China, Iran, and Russia. It's also addressing loopholes by preventing blacklisted entities from obtaining these chips via proxy companies. Now, processors with over 30 billion transistors made on 14nm/16nm nodes require U.S. export control authorization.
Future Implementation
It is currently uncertain whether the current administration will enact these restrictions or leave the implementation to the incoming Trump administration.
