In a significant development for the semiconductor industry, the Biden administration is reportedly planning to tighten restrictions on chip exports to China. This news, first reported by Bloomberg citing people familiar with the matter, has sent shockwaves through the market.
Following the Bloomberg report, shares of major semiconductor companies took a nosedive, with NVIDIA Corporation NVDA dropping 6.6%, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD declining 10.2%, Micron Technology, Inc. MU falling 6.3% and Marvell Technology, Inc. MRVL plunging 10.2%. One-Year Price Performance
Zacks Investment Research
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Biden Administration's Plan The proposed measures are part of a broader strategy to curb China's access to advanced semiconductor technology, which is deemed critical for both commercial and military applications. One key component of the plan involves the Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), a regulation that allows the United States to control the sale of products made using American technology, regardless of where they are manufactured. The heightened restrictions could lead to supply-chain disruptions, increased production costs, and delays in product development and delivery. These restrictions could also accelerate China's efforts to achieve semiconductor self-sufficiency, as the Chinese government has been investing heavily in its domestic semiconductor industry. According to analysts, if the Biden administration follows through with these plans, it could significantly impact major chip stocks such as TSMC (TSM), Tokyo Electron and ASML Holding NV. In response to the news, shares of these companies experienced significant declines on Wednesday.
As a result of the proposed restrictions and their potential impact on global supply chains, investors are urged to closely monitor developments in this area. It is also recommended that investors seek guidance from financial advisors before making any investment decisions based on this information. In addition, it is crucial for companies in the semiconductor industry to stay informed about any changes in trade policies and regulatory environments that may affect their operations and profitability.