Reuters: U.S. plans to restrict exports of semiconductor equipment, software and other technologies to China

The United States is considering new restrictions on exports of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related software tools, lasers, sensors and other technology to block their use by U.S. adversaries such as China.

Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce posted a message on its government website on Wednesday local time that it is seeking public opinion on how to define new technologies as it determines "whether there are specific basic technologies that require more stringent controls" during the export process.

The Trump administration has passed a series of measures to restrict technology exports to Chinese companies, especially Huawei, citing national security reasons. It said emerging technologies could be used by the military of adversaries such as "China, Russia or Venezuela."

Last year, the U.S. government finalized a “narrow” set of rules to restrict the export of quantum computing and 3D printing technology, among other things.

The public comment period, which is expected to draw interest from industries seeking to protect their technological advantages, will end 60 days after publication in the Federal Register tomorrow, the Commerce Department said.