Taiwan Adds Huawei and SMIC to Export Control List, Intensifying AI Chip Technology Tensions

Taiwan Imposes Technology Export Controls on Huawei, SMIC

Taiwan has blacklisted Huawei Technologies Co. and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., dealing another major blow to the two companies spearheading China's efforts to develop cutting-edge AI chip technologies. Taiwan's International Trade Administration has included Huawei, SMIC and several of their subsidiaries in an update of its so-called strategic high-tech commodities entity list, according to the latest version that was made available on its website on Saturday. It didn't publicly announce the change.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei, SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI, June 15 (Reuters) - Taiwan's government has added China's Huawei Technologies (HWT.UL) and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) (0981.HK), opens new tab to its export control list, which includes other proscribed organisations like the Taliban and al Qaeda. Inclusion on the economy ministry's trade administration's strategic high-tech commodities entity list means Taiwanese companies will need government approval before exporting any products to the companies. The companies were included in an updated version of the ministry's trade administration's website late on Saturday. Neither company nor the economy ministry immediately responded to requests for comment outside of office hours at the weekend. Taiwan is home to TSMC (2330.TW), opens new tab, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier of chips to AI darling Nvidia (NVDA.O), opens new tab. Both Huawei and SMIC have been working hard to catch up in the chip technology race. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of Taipei's government, already has tight chip export controls when it comes to Taiwanese companies either manufacturing in the country or supplying Chinese firms. Huawei, which is at the centre of China's AI ambitions, is on a U.S. Commerce Department trade list that essentially bars it from receiving U.S. goods and technology, as well as foreign-made goods such as chips from companies like TSMC made with U.S. technology. Last October, TechInsights, a Canadian tech research firm, took apart Huawei's 910B AI processor and found a TSMC chip in it. The multi-chip 910B is viewed as the most advanced AI accelerator mass-produced by a Chinese company. TSMC suspended shipments to China-based chip designer Sophgo, whose chip matched the one in the Huawei 910B and, in November the U.S. Commerce Department ordered TSMC to halt shipments of more chips to Chinese customers. Taiwan's government has also repeatedly vowed to crack down on what it says are efforts by Chinese companies, including SMIC, to steal technology and entice chip talent away from the island. SMIC is China's largest chipmaker and has ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China's domestic semiconductor capability in the face of sweeping U.S. export controls. Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab Suggested Topics:Artificial Intelligence

Taiwan adds China's Huawei and SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- Taiwan's Commerce Ministry has added Chinese chipmakers Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, as trade and technology frictions between the self-ruled island, China and the United States increase. Inclusion on the "strategic high-tech commodities" list means Taiwanese companies will need to obtain export permits before selling goods to the respective companies. Other entities on the list include organizations such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda, as well as other companies in China, Iran and elsewhere. The export control entities list was last updated on Sunday. Neither Huawei nor SMIC initially commented on their inclusion. Huawei and SMIC have both been sanctioned by the U.S. The two companies are producing China's most advanced homegrown artificial intelligence chips in an effort to compete with U.S.-based Nvidia and supply Chinese tech firms with the much-needed chips amid export curbs. Taiwan is home the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a major supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the U.S. ordered TSMC to halt supplies of certain advanced chips to Chinese customers as part of broader efforts to restrict China's access to cutting-edge technologies. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. The U.S. is Taiwan's biggest unofficial ally and arms seller.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei and SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- Taiwan's Commerce Ministry has added Chinese chipmakers Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, as trade and technology frictions between the self-ruled island, China and the United States increase. Inclusion on the "strategic high-tech commodities" list means Taiwanese companies will need to obtain export permits before selling goods to the respective companies. Other entities on the list include organizations such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda, as well as other companies in China, Iran and elsewhere. The export control entities list was last updated on Sunday. Neither Huawei nor SMIC initially commented on their inclusion. Huawei and SMIC have both been sanctioned by the U.S. The two companies are producing China's most advanced homegrown artificial intelligence chips in an effort to compete with U.S.-based Nvidia and supply Chinese tech firms with the much-needed chips amid export curbs. Taiwan is home the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a major supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the U.S. ordered TSMC to halt supplies of certain advanced chips to Chinese customers as part of broader efforts to restrict China's access to cutting-edge technologies. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. The U.S. is Taiwan's biggest unofficial ally and arms seller.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei and SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Taiwan's Commerce Ministry has added Chinese chipmakers Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, as trade and technology frictions between the self-ruled island, China and the United States increase. Inclusion on the "strategic high-tech commodities" list means Taiwanese companies will need to obtain export permits before selling goods to the respective companies. Other entities on the list include organizations such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda, as well as other companies in China, Iran and elsewhere. The export control entities list was last updated on Sunday. Neither Huawei nor SMIC initially commented on their inclusion. Huawei and SMIC have both been sanctioned by the U.S. The two companies are producing China's most advanced homegrown artificial intelligence chips in an effort to compete with U.S.-based Nvidia and supply Chinese tech firms with the much-needed chips amid export curbs. Taiwan is home the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a major supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the U.S. ordered TSMC to halt supplies of certain advanced chips to Chinese customers as part of broader efforts to restrict China's access to cutting-edge technologies. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. The U.S. is Taiwan's biggest unofficial ally and arms seller.

Taiwan Adds China's Huawei and SMIC to Export Control List

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- Taiwan's Commerce Ministry has added Chinese chipmakers Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, as trade and technology frictions between the self-ruled island, China and the United States increase. Inclusion on the "strategic high-tech commodities" list means Taiwanese companies will need to obtain export permits before selling goods to the respective companies. Other entities on the list include organizations such as the Taliban and al-Qaeda, as well as other companies in China, Iran and elsewhere. The export control entities list was last updated on Sunday. Neither Huawei nor SMIC initially commented on their inclusion. Huawei and SMIC have both been sanctioned by the U.S. The two companies are producing China's most advanced homegrown artificial intelligence chips in an effort to compete with U.S.-based Nvidia and supply Chinese tech firms with the much-needed chips amid export curbs. Taiwan is home the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a major supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the U.S. ordered TSMC to halt supplies of certain advanced chips to Chinese customers as part of broader efforts to restrict China's access to cutting-edge technologies. China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. The U.S. is Taiwan's biggest unofficial ally and arms seller. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei, SMIC to export control list

Taiwan added China's Huawei and SMIC to its export control list, requiring government approval for tech exports to them. The move tightens restrictions amid concerns over tech theft and growing U.S. pressure, as Taiwan seeks to safeguard its chip industry and national security.Taiwan's government has added China's Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, which includes other proscribed organisations like the Taliban and al Qaeda. Inclusion on the economy ministry's trade administration's strategic high-tech commodities entity list means Taiwanese companies will need government approval before exporting any products to the companies. The companies were included in an updated version of the ministry's trade administration's website late on Saturday. Neither company nor the economy ministry immediately responded to requests for comment outside of office hours at the weekend. Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier of chips to AI darling Nvidia. Both Huawei and SMIC have been working hard to catch up in the chip technology race. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of Taipei's government, already has tight chip export controls when it comes to Taiwanese companies either manufacturing in the country or supplying Chinese firms. Huawei, which is at the centre of China's AI ambitions, is on a U.S. Commerce Department trade list that essentially bars it from receiving US goods and technology, as well as foreign-made goods such as chips from companies like TSMC made with US technology. Last October, TechInsights, a Canadian tech research firm, took apart Huawei's 910B AI processor and found a TSMC chip in it. The multi-chip 910B is viewed as the most advanced AI accelerator mass-produced by a Chinese company. TSMC suspended shipments to China-based chip designer Sophgo, whose chip matched the one in the Huawei 910B and, in November the US Commerce Department ordered TSMC to halt shipments of more chips to Chinese customers. Taiwan's government has also repeatedly vowed to crack down on what it says are efforts by Chinese companies, including SMIC, to steal technology and entice chip talent away from the island. SMIC is China's largest chipmaker and has ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China's domestic semiconductor capability in the face of sweeping US export controls.

Taiwan adds China's Huawei, SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's government has added China's Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, which includes other proscribed organisations like the Taliban and al Qaeda. Inclusion on the economy ministry's trade administration's strategic high-tech commodities entity list means Taiwanese companies will need government approval before exporting any products to the companies. The companies were included in an updated version of the ministry's trade administration's website late on Saturday. Neither company nor the economy ministry immediately responded to requests for comment outside of office hours at the weekend. Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier of chips to AI darling Nvidia. Both Huawei and SMIC have been working hard to catch up in the chip technology race. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of Taipei's government, already has tight chip export controls when it comes to Taiwanese companies either manufacturing in the country or supplying Chinese firms. Huawei, which is at the centre of China's AI ambitions, is on a U.S. Commerce Department trade list that essentially bars it from receiving U.S. goods and technology, as well as foreign-made goods such as chips from companies like TSMC made with U.S. technology. Last October, TechInsights, a Canadian tech research firm, took apart Huawei's 910B AI processor and found a TSMC chip in it. The multi-chip 910B is viewed as the most advanced AI accelerator mass-produced by a Chinese company. TSMC suspended shipments to China-based chip designer Sophgo, whose chip matched the one in the Huawei 910B and, in November the U.S. Commerce Department ordered TSMC to halt shipments of more chips to Chinese customers. Taiwan's government has also repeatedly vowed to crack down on what it says are efforts by Chinese companies, including SMIC, to steal technology and entice chip talent away from the island. SMIC is China's largest chipmaker and has ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China's domestic semiconductor capability in the face of sweeping U.S. export controls. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

Taiwan adds China's Huawei and SMIC to export control list

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan has added China's Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list, which includes other proscribed organisations like the Taliban and al Qaeda. Inclusion on the economy ministry's trade administration's strategic high-tech commodities entity list means Taiwanese companies will need government approval before exporting any products to the companies. The companies, both at the centre of China's chip and artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions, were included in an updated version of the ministry's trade administration's website. Neither company responded to requests for comment outside of office hours at the weekend. In a statement on Sunday, the ministry's trade administration said it had recently held a meeting to review the entity list, and "based on the prevention of arms proliferation and other national security considerations" updated it on June 10. A total of 601 entities were added, including Huawei and SMIC, along with entities from Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Myanmar, and China, it said. "Manufacturers must comply with export control regulations, fulfil their verification obligations and carefully assess transaction risks," it added. Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier of chips to AI darling Nvidia. Both Huawei and SMIC have been working hard to catch up in the chip technology race. Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the strong objections of Taipei's government, already has tight chip export controls when it comes to Taiwanese companies either manufacturing in the country or supplying Chinese firms. Huawei is on a U.S. Commerce Department trade list that essentially bars it from receiving U.S. goods and technology, as well as foreign-made goods such as chips from companies like TSMC made with U.S. technology. Last October, TechInsights, a Canadian tech research firm, took apart Huawei's 910B AI processor and found a TSMC chip in it. The multi-chip 910B is viewed as the most advanced AI accelerator mass-produced by a Chinese company. TSMC suspended shipments to China-based chip designer Sophgo, whose chip matched the one in the Huawei 910B and, in November the U.S. Commerce Department ordered TSMC to halt shipments of more chips to Chinese customers. Taiwan's government has also repeatedly vowed to crack down on what it says are efforts by Chinese companies, including SMIC, to steal technology and entice chip talent away from the island. SMIC is China's largest chipmaker and has ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China's domestic semiconductor capability in the face of sweeping U.S. export controls. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Giles Elgood)