U.S. puts efforts to restrict HBM chip export for Huawei and Chinese firms

U.S. is seeking new ways that hold back Chinese companies from making advanced semiconductors. As per a new report, the U.S. now forces South Korea to restrict HBM chip export to Chinese firms like Huawei, or else it’ll become a threat later.

On September 10 (Tuesday), the Korea-US Economic Security Conference was held in Washington DC. During the summit, both sides discussed the economic welfare of their regions. At the same time, the U.S. shed light on the chip war with China.

Alan Estevez – the U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, pressurized South Korea to restrict HBM chip supply in China for tech firms like Huawei and others. It should only provide chips to the allies (supporting countries).

The executive stressed South Korean chip suppliers to cooperate with the U.S. trade controls in China. Doing so would be beneficial or else, could harm Korea’s interests.

Estevez further revealed the risks of advanced AI chip-making in China. He says powerful GPUs and HBMs will help Chinese firms to develop high-end chipsets. China will power up AI applications with these chips and use them for military purposes.

Alan believes that advanced chipmaking equipment as well as HBM chips should be available only to those nations that comply with the U.S. trade export controls.

However, it seems South Korea’s Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo didn’t like the idea much. He expects more discussions on this matter with the U.S. because:

“When two of the three HBM chipmaking companies are Korean, export curbs can have a big impact on us.” – said Cheong In-kyo after the event.

U.S. puts efforts to restrict HBM chip export for Huawei and Chinese firms (Image Credits: TheKoreaHerald)

The minister adds that the U.S. has not made an official announcement on this subject yet. Perhaps we may soon reach a conclusion that can benefit both sides.

Huawei and Chinese chipmakers were seemingly aware of such situations. This is why they started stockpiling HBM chips from Samsung months ago. China reportedly requires HBM2 and HBM2E chips. Even though these are still behind the most advanced HBM3E chips, they are capable of delivering efficient performance.

China-U.S. chip war continues to take new turns. After Huawei unveiled the Kirin 9010 and MateBook X Pro with Intel Core Ultra 9, the U.S. authorities are keeping an eye on China’s every move towards advanced chip making. Let’s see how this matter proceeds in the time ahead.

|| Source| Featured Image: Samsung Semiconductors ||