US Export Control Probe of TSMC Is ‘Gross Interference’ in Free Trade, China Says

A letter reportedly sent by the Commerce Department ordering Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to stop shipments of advanced semiconductors to certain Chinese customers (see 2411120011) is a “serious violation of international economic and trade rules” and a “gross interference in free trade,” a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said last week.

The U.S. “has continued to abuse export control measures, implement long-arm jurisdiction, continue to tighten its suppression and containment of China's semiconductors, and fragment the global semiconductor market,” the spokesperson said during a regular ews conference, according to an unofficial translation. “The U.S. approach will seriously harm the interests of all parties and hinder global scientific and technological exchanges and economic and trade cooperation.”

The U.S. reportedly sent the letter, which asks TSMC to halt shipments of 7 nanometer chips or others of “more advanced designs” to China, amid an investigation on whether TSMC violated U.S. export controls against Huawei (see 2410230019 and 2410240011).