An updated rule on restricting exports of U.S. chipmaking equipment to China is nearing the final review stage
U.S. officials have recently warned China to expect updated rules on shipments of semiconductor equipment and advanced AI chips
These updates aim to add more restrictions and close existing loopholes in regulations introduced on October 7, 2022
The initial rules had strained relations between Beijing and Washington
A regulation titled "Export controls to Semiconductor Manufacturing Items, Entity List Modifications" has been posted on the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website
This posting confirms the expected restriction on sending chipmaking tools to China
Typically, OMB doesn't post export control rules until there's an agreement between various U.S. departments, including State, Defense, Commerce, and Energy
There's an anticipation of another rule update related to exports of high-end chips used for artificial intelligence, but it hasn't been posted yet
The Biden administration is aiming to publish both rules simultaneously
The U.S. Department of Commerce has declined to comment on this matter