South Korean Companies Stop Selling Chip Equipment to China as U.S. Pressure Grows

In response to increasing pressure from the United States, South Korean companies have made the decision to cease selling used semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China. This move is seen as encouraging by Alan Estevez, the U.S. undersecretary of commerce for industry and security, who believes that allies taking actions to address security concerns regarding semiconductors and other emerging technologies is a step in the right direction.

While speaking at a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Estevez emphasized the importance of recognizing the threats posed by China and others, and lauded the efforts of allies and partners in implementing domestic legal systems to address these concerns. He specifically mentioned the decision of key South Korean firms to no longer sell used semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China, as well as the recent controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment announced by the governments of the Netherlands and Japan.

The Financial Times reported last week that Samsung Electronics and SK hynix had already halted the sale of old chipmaking equipment, demonstrating their alignment with the rules set by the U.S. government. Both companies confirmed this decision to the Korea JoongAng Daily, solidifying their commitment to tighter export controls on key technologies.

Estevez also highlighted the United States’ ongoing efforts to establish controls on the servicing and components of equipment already sent to China. He emphasized the importance of maintaining parity between U.S. companies and those in allied nations to ensure similar controls are in place.

In his previous statements made at a forum in December, Estevez mentioned the preliminary talks between the United States, South Korea, and other allies regarding the creation of a new export control regime. This regime aims to prevent the transfer of cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors and quantum computers, to potential adversaries.

The actions taken by South Korean companies to stop selling chip equipment to China reflect the growing influence and pressure exerted by the United States to tighten export controls. As international collaboration continues to address security concerns and protect key technologies, it remains crucial for countries to align their efforts and establish similar controls for a more secure technological landscape.

The decision of South Korean companies to cease selling used semiconductor manufacturing equipment to China is a significant development in the industry. This move comes as a response to increasing pressure from the United States, highlighting the concern over security risks associated with semiconductors and other emerging technologies.

The U.S. undersecretary of commerce for industry and security, Alan Estevez, applauds these actions taken by South Korean firms and considers them a step in the right direction. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the threats posed by China and other countries, and commends allies and partners for implementing domestic legal systems to address these concerns. Estevez specifically mentions the decisions made by key South Korean companies, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, to halt the sale of old chipmaking equipment, aligning themselves with the rules set by the U.S. government.

This move by South Korean companies is not an isolated incident. The governments of the Netherlands and Japan have also recently announced controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. These measures indicate a growing global effort to address security concerns and protect key technologies.

It is worth noting that the United States is also taking additional steps to establish controls on the servicing and components of equipment already sent to China. Estevez highlights the importance of maintaining parity between U.S. companies and those in allied nations to ensure similar controls are in place.

Looking ahead, there are ongoing discussions between the United States, South Korea, and other allies to establish a new export control regime. The goal of this regime is to prevent the transfer of cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors and quantum computers, to potential adversaries. This highlights the global collaboration required to address security concerns and create a more secure technological landscape.

Overall, the actions taken by South Korean companies reflect the increasing influence and pressure exerted by the United States to tighten export controls in the semiconductor industry. As international collaboration continues to address security concerns, it is crucial for countries to align their efforts and establish similar controls to ensure a more secure technological environment.

For more information on the semiconductor industry and related market forecasts, you can visit the following links:

Semiconductor Industry Association
MarketsandMarkets – Semiconductor and Electronics
Research and Markets – Semiconductor Market Research Reports

The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br