The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced export controls on advanced semiconductor chips, particularly those used in intelligence and supercomputers, requiring prior approval for their export, with restrictions also on products produced in third countries using American technology. This is a significant setback for Chinese company Huawei.
Additionally, American companies are prohibited from selling equipment or technology to China for producing memory components like DRAM below 18 nanometers, NAND flash with fewer than 128 layers, and logic chips under 14 nanometers. These measures are aimed at preventing China, a strategic competitor, from dominating the cutting-edge semiconductor industry.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Huawei released a new smartphone with a 7-nanometer processor.
2. The Chinese government ordered public officials not to use Apple's iPhone.
3. Apple's stock prices plummeted, causing a market capitalization loss of $189.7 billion.
4. The U.S. controls exports of semiconductor technology to China, leading to a conflict.
5. The U.S. Department of Commerce initiated an investigation into Huawei's new smartphone.
6. Starting in May 2020, advanced semiconductors made with American technology will be imported into China.
7. The White House hinted at strengthening regulations beyond just semiconductor chips.
8. Chinese short-range wireless communication companies may be designated as national security risk companies.
9. China protested the U.S.' use of national security concept to suppress Chinese companies.
10. There are no plans for talks between the U.S. and China regarding the iPhone ban.
11. Korean companies are nervous about the grace period for export controls to China expiring.
12. Huawei's new smartphone uses a 7-nanometer processor from China's SMIC despite U.S. sanctions.
13. China is focusing on investing in semiconductor research and development.
14. The U.S. imposed export controls on rare minerals used in electronics production.
15. China's export controls may impact the global semiconductor industry, particularly in Europe.
16. China's monopoly on certain minerals may face challenges from emerging producing countries.
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