The US government is planning to impose new restrictions on the shipment of advanced AI chips to Malaysia and Thailand due to concerns that these components are being smuggled into China. The move is part of a broader effort to control the flow of sensitive technologies to China and prevent the country from acquiring advanced AI components that could be used for military or strategic purposes.
The restrictions would affect shipments of AI chips from companies like Nvidia, which is a leading designer of graphics processing units (GPUs) used in AI applications. The US Commerce Department is concerned that some components sent to Malaysia and Thailand are being rerouted to Chinese buyers, despite existing curbs on direct sales to China.
The new rules are not yet finalized and could still change, but they are expected to have significant implications for the global semiconductor supply chain. Many semiconductor companies rely on Southeast Asian facilities for crucial manufacturing steps like packaging, and the new rules may include exemptions to prevent supply chain disruptions.
Malaysia and Thailand are likely to be affected by the new restrictions, with potential implications for their tech industries. Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry has emphasized the importance of clear and consistent policies for the tech sector, while Thailand is awaiting details on the upcoming measures.
The US move is part of a broader effort to control AI technology worldwide, with potential implications for the global semiconductor supply chain. The restrictions highlight the growing tensions between the US and China over technology and trade, and the increasing importance of export controls in the global tech industry.
