Microelectronics industry officials urge US to reconsider decisions on China

The microelectronics industry association SEMI has called on the new US leadership to review its export control policies. SEMI said the unilateral approach taken by the previous administration hurt American industry and left American exporters vulnerable to retaliation.

In a letter addressed to the candidate for the post of US Secretary of Commerce, SEMI President Ajit Manocha expressed confidence that the United States should coordinate with allies whose companies compete in the global market, deciding to restrict the sale of American technology to China under the pretext of national security.

Microelectronics industry officials urge US to reconsider decisions on China

“Multilateral control – when all major producing countries control the issues of concern – creates a level playing field, maximizes efficiency and minimizes damage to US national security and economic competitiveness,” Manocha said in a letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters.

The letter criticized the Trump administration for changing the rules without regard to industry positions and for lacking a clear overarching policy. It says that a “highly unusual process” led to unintended consequences. In addition, the letter calls for the immediate repeal of a requirement introduced in August that expands US powers over the sale of products and services by foreign companies.

SEMI invites the United States to work with countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea to develop a common position to limit semiconductor production in China.

The Commerce Department has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for comment.

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