The United States is contemplating imposing new restrictions on China’s access to AI memory chips, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The proposed measures would target companies like Micron Technology and SK Hynix, as well as the equipment used in producing these semiconductors. The goal is to prevent these companies from supplying high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips to Chinese firms, which are crucial for running complex artificial intelligence programs.
These potential restrictions would cover a range of HBM chips, including HBM2, HBM3, and HBM3E, along with the necessary manufacturing tools. While the final decision on these measures has not been made, the move could impact AI semiconductor providers such as Nvidia and AMD, which rely on HBM chips to power their products.
Micron Technology, in particular, is expected to be minimally affected by the proposed restrictions as the company has refrained from exporting its HBM products to China since Beijing prohibited their use in critical infrastructure back in 2023.
As of now, both the companies involved and the U.S. Department of Commerce have not provided any official comments on these potential restrictions. The situation is still developing, and the decision could have significant implications for the semiconductor industry and the ongoing technological competition between the U.S. and China.
