US bans Chinese semiconductor foundry SMIC

Reuters reports the US government has waved its ban hammer over Chinese semiconductor foundry SMIC. Due to "unacceptable" national security risks, suppliers of certain equipment to SMIC will now have to apply for individual export licenses. The US Commerce Department argues equipment supplied to SMIC could be used for military purposes. It's the latest escalation in the trade and tech war between the US and China.

SMIC said it had not received any official notice of the restrictions and said it has no ties with the Chinese military.

“SMIC reiterates that it manufactures semiconductors and provides services solely for civilian and commercial end-users and end-uses,” SMIC said.

“The Company has no relationship with the Chinese military and does not manufacture for any military end-users or end-uses.”