Trump’s Return Could Reshape China’s Semiconductor Landscape: What’s Next for 14nm Chips?
Recent actions by TSMC, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries signal a shift in U.S. semiconductor export controls. Wafer foundries are proactively tightening compliance with sanctions despite the lack of formal announcements from the Biden administration. This strategy appears to preempt stricter enforcement under the incoming Trump administration, which may expand measures targeting China’s access to 14nm processes. Under current U.S. export controls, technologies at the 7nm process node or smaller are restricted from exporting to China. While foundries maintain cooperation with vetted Chinese clients, increasing scrutiny over wafer qualifications could disrupt China’s ability to compete in advanced manufacturing, especially as competition intensifies and capacity remains constrained.
Foundries like TSMC and Samsung now require Chinese customers to submit detailed technical information about their wafer designs for pre-approval. This process involves verifying that the wafers comply with export control regulations, ensuring they do not contain restricted technologies or violate process-node restrictions. Only after this compliance review can foundries proceed with manufacturing, effectively filtering out potential violators before stricter enforcement.
My Take
Foundries’ preemptive actions reflect the growing unpredictability of U.S. export controls. This uncertainty will likely force Chinese semiconductor firms to accelerate their domestic innovation and self-sufficiency investments to avoid reliance on external foundry services.
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Credit: DigiTimesAsia