Biden Administration Weighs Tough Trade Restrictions to Curb China's Access to Semiconductor Tech

The Biden administration is considering the most severe trade restrictions to curb China's access to advanced semiconductor technology. This measure, called the foreign direct product rule would control foreign-made products that use any American technology. Aimed at companies like Tokyo Electron Ltd. and ASML Holding NV, the US seeks to pressure Japan and the Netherlands to tighten their China measures. American semiconductor companies argue that current policies harm them more than China, fearing it will strain international cooperation and lead to efforts to avoid US technology. Chinese officials criticize the US for politicizing trade.