US limits tech exports to Chinese firm on security grounds

The Trump administration has imposed restrictions on technology exports to a state-supported Chinese semiconductor maker, citing national security grounds amid a mounting tariff battle.

The controls imposed Monday on Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit Co. reflect concern Chinese competition could drive American technology suppliers out of business, leaving the military without secure sources of components.

Beijing has spent heavily to build up Jinhua and other chip makers as part of efforts to transform China into a global leader in robotics, artificial intelligence and other technology industries.

The United States, Europe and other trading partners say Beijing's tactics violate its market-opening obligations. American officials worry they might erode U.S. industrial leadership.

President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 25 per cent on $250 billion of Chinese goods in an effort to pressure Beijing to roll back those plans.

Jinhua is completing "substantial production capacity" for integrated circuits, possibly using U.S. technology, which "threatens the long-term economic viability of U.S. suppliers of these essential components of US military systems," said a Commerce Department statement.

The company was added to the department's "Entity List," which will require it to obtain an export license for all software, technology and commodities, the Commerce Department said. It said such applications "will be reviewed with a presumption of denial."