Trump blocks strategic exports to China: chips, software and aeronautical technologies banned

New restrictions imposed by the US administration in response to Beijing’s crackdown on critical minerals. Semiconductors, industrial software and aeronautical components affected

New crackdown on US technology exports to China. The Trump administration has suspended certain strategic licences for the sale of sensitive technologies to Chinese industrial groups, according to the New York Times. The new measures particularly affect the aeronautical sector, semiconductors and various machinery and chemicals used in industry.

Aerospace under observation
According to US sources, the supply of components and technologies to Comac for its C919 aircraft, the Chinese equivalent of the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, has been halted. The aircraft, which made its first passenger flight two years ago, relies on critical supplies from Europe and the United States. No comment has been received so far from the Department of Commerce, which has nevertheless suspended several licences as a precautionary measure.

Semiconductors and software in the spotlight
Among the most significant measures is the halt to the sale of chip design software by companies such as Cadence, Synopsys and Siemens EDA, which together cover about 80% of the Chinese Electronic Design Automation market. The directive, anticipated by the Financial Times, was reportedly formalised in a letter from the Bureau of Industry and Security addressed to several US suppliers, ordering them to immediately suspend services to their Chinese counterparts.

A response to Chinese restrictions on rare minerals
The US decision comes in response to recent restrictions imposed by Beijing on the export of rare earths and critical materials, which are essential to the hi-tech industry. Despite a partial easing of Chinese deliveries in recent days, sources say these were only minimal and controlled shipments.

The precedent of Nvidia chips
Back in April, Washington blocked the sale of AI chips produced by Nvidia to China. Now, the new restrictions appear to be part of a broader review of export policies in key sectors, as confirmed by a Commerce Department official: ‘We are re-evaluating strategic exports. In some cases, licences have been suspended and additional requirements imposed’.

Beijing’s reaction
The Chinese government reacted by denouncing ‘serious challenges to the security and stability of the global semiconductor chain,’ accusing the United States of ‘unilateralism and economic bullying.’ The Ministry of Commerce reiterated its rejection of any form of pressure and restrictions imposed outside multilateral channels.

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