FX.co ★ U.S. Rolls Back Chip Software Curbs on China

The Trump administration has lifted the export license requirements previously imposed on U.S. chip design software sales to China, alleviating a significant trade restriction amidst improving relations between the U.S. and China. According to Bloomberg News, the U.S. Commerce Department has informed leading chip design software companies—namely Synopsys, Cadence Design Systems, and Siemens—that they are no longer required to obtain government approval for conducting business in China. This decision follows recent advancements in trade negotiations, with China indicating progress toward a potential agreement and conditionally committing to resume the exchange of rare earth materials and advanced technology. This policy change represents a crucial step in executing the comprehensive trade agreement intended to stabilize economic relations between the two nations.