The United States has prohibited Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) from exporting advanced microchips for artificial intelligence applications to China, effective immediately. This decision follows the discovery of a TSMC chip in a Huawei AI processor, which is subject to US trade restrictions.
The US Department of Commerce informed TSMC that it must halt shipments of chips with structures smaller than seven nanometers to Chinese clients. This move comes after TSMC reported the presence of its chip in Huawei's Ascend 910B, considered the most advanced AI chip from a Chinese firm.
TSMC has already suspended deliveries to Chinese chip designer Sophgo following the incident. The US government may investigate whether other firms are supplying chips for Huawei's AI processors.
TSMC stated it regularly engages with the government on export controls and is committed to complying with national and international regulations.