The US government is investigating NVIDIA over concerns about its AI chips reaching China, prompting the company to initiate spot checks through distributors Dell and Super Micro. Smugglers are using sophisticated techniques to evade detection by duplicating serial numbers or altering them in the operating system. NVIDIA and Super Micro maintain their compliance with export control regulations, but the effectiveness of these measures remains under scrutiny.
U.S. prosecutors charged two men with illegally exporting sensitive technology to Iran, used in a drone attack that killed three U.S. service members in Jordan. Mohammad Abedini and Mahdi Sadeghi face charges related to violating U.S. export laws and supporting the IRGC. The attack, facilitated by Iran-backed militants, highlights the dangers of technology falling into the wrong hands.
India has engaged with US authorities to clarify issues surrounding sanctions imposed on companies and individuals for allegedly supporting Russia. While 19 Indian companies and two individuals were included in the list, the Ministry of External Affairs insists these entities have not violated Indian law. The MEA is working with relevant departments and agencies to educate Indian businesses about export control regulations and potential impacts.
ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet expects increased US pressure on restricting semiconductor technology sales to China. This could impact ASML’s operations, despite the company’s focus on less sensitive chip technologies in China. Fouquet believes the chip market will recover in 2025, with 2026 being a growth year for ASML.
U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar and Raja Krishnamoorthi have urged the Commerce Department to tighten export controls on Huawei Technologies, citing concerns over the company’s alleged efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions through a network of semiconductor facilities. The lawmakers highlight the potential threat posed by Huawei’s expanding chip-making capabilities and the influence of Shenzhen government-backed companies in supporting these efforts. This move aligns with broader U.S. efforts to curb China’s access to advanced technology and follows recent reports suggesting that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is using Huawei’s chips for its new AI model.
China has implemented stricter export controls on items with both military and civilian applications, aiming to safeguard national security. The move comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, and experts believe it could further fragment global technology and supply chains.
Microsoft is urging the US government to provide more transparency on export controls that are hindering the delivery of advanced AI chips to the Middle East. These restrictions, stemming from concerns about technology leakage to China, have hampered Microsoft’s plans with its investment in the UAE’s G42 AI company. Despite the setbacks, Microsoft and G42 are forging ahead with the establishment of two new research institutes in Abu Dhabi to develop AI systems for the non-Western world.
Nvidia’s revenue in China has shown promising growth despite US export controls, with data center revenue increasing sequentially. However, it remains below pre-control levels. The company’s CFO highlighted the competitive nature of the Chinese market and the company’s plans to introduce a new AI chip compliant with US export controls.
Perpetua Resources Corp., owner of the largest US antimony reserve, stands to benefit significantly as China imposes export controls on antimony, a strategic metal used in military applications. The move is expected to accelerate the restarting of Perpetua’s Stibnite mine in Idaho, with permitting seen as imminent.
The US has expanded its export control list to include 105 companies, including 42 in China, to restrict Russia’s access to advanced technology. China has vehemently criticized the move, calling it an act of unilateral sanctions that undermines global trade and stability.
