Taiwan Places Huawei and SMIC on Export Control List Targeting China

Published: Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 8:14 am

**Taiwan Tightens Export Controls, Targeting Huawei and SMIC**

TAIPEI - Taiwan's Ministry of Commerce has added Chinese tech giants Huawei Technologies and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) to its export control list. This move comes amidst growing trade and technology tensions between Taiwan, China, and the United States.

The inclusion on the strategic high-tech commodities list means Taiwanese companies must now secure export permits before selling products to Huawei and SMIC. The list, updated recently, also includes entities like the Taliban and al-Qaeda, along with companies from China and Iran.

Both Huawei and SMIC have previously been subject to U.S. sanctions. The two companies are key players in China's efforts to develop advanced artificial intelligence chips, aiming to compete with U.S.-based Nvidia and provide crucial components for Chinese tech firms facing export restrictions.

Taiwan is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, housing the world's largest chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). TSMC is a major supplier for Nvidia. Last November, the U.S. directed TSMC to cease supplying certain advanced chips to Chinese customers, part of a broader strategy to limit China's access to advanced technologies.

China views Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve annexation. The United States, Taiwan's primary unofficial ally, is a major arms supplier to the island.

BNN's Perspective: This decision by Taiwan reflects the complex geopolitical landscape and the ongoing efforts to manage the flow of technology. While the move aligns with broader international efforts to restrict China's access to advanced technologies, it also highlights the delicate balance Taiwan must maintain in its economic and political relationships. The impact on global chip supply chains and the potential for further escalation in trade tensions warrants close monitoring.

Keywords: Taiwan, Huawei, SMIC, export controls, China, semiconductors, chipmakers, trade, technology, United States, TSMC, Nvidia, sanctions, artificial intelligence, geopolitical tensions

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