Biden Administration Targets China's Quantum Computing and Semiconductor Sectors with New Export Controls

Biden Administration's New Export Controls

The Biden administration is imposing new export controls on critical technologies including quantum computing and semiconductor goods, aligning the US with allies working to thwart advancements in China and other adversarial nations.

Targeted Technologies

• The rules target quantum computers and components.
• Advanced chipmaking tools are included in these measures.
• A cutting-edge semiconductor technology called gate all-around is part of the restrictions.
• Components and software related to metals and metal alloys are also affected.

These export regulations will cover all worldwide exports, but exemptions exist for countries that implement similar measures. This group includes key allies such as Japan and the Netherlands.

Strategic Coordination

The US anticipates that more nations will follow suit, according to the Commerce Department. Washington has been cracking down for years on China’s and other adversaries’ access to advanced technologies needed for artificial intelligence due to fears that superior chips could enhance Beijing's military capabilities. This effort includes unilateral measures and attempts to coordinate with pivotal allies, highlighted by earlier semiconductor export controls first introduced in 2022.

According to Alan Estevez, who heads the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, “Aligning our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies makes it significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security.”

Thursday’s action initiates a 60-day public comment period before the issuance of a final rule.

Future of Export Controls

Separately, the US is developing a significant new package of chip-related export controls, targeting China’s access to essential high-bandwidth memory chips—a crucial AI component—alongside various semiconductor manufacturing tools. This strategy also emphasizes a global focus with exemptions for key allies like Japan and the Netherlands.

Washington faces challenges persuading Tokyo and Hague to adopt similar rules, with both reluctant to harm prominent national companies and wary of potential retaliation from China.