The U.S. Department of Commerce has revoked export licenses for some companies exporting semiconductors and other items to Huawei, according to major foreign media reports on the 7th (local time). This is seen as a further escalation of U.S. sanctions against China's Huawei.
This move came after Huawei announced last month that it would equip its first AI laptop, the 'MateBook X Pro,' with Intel's new Core Ultra 9 processor. The Department of Commerce has faced criticism from Republican lawmakers for granting Intel sensitive semiconductor export permits.
The U.S. has placed Huawei on its export control list since 2019, citing national security concerns, and has imposed strong sanctions. Companies included on this list must obtain very stringent separate export licenses to export U.S.-made components.
However, previous administrations have reportedly granted licenses allowing the export of billions of dollars worth of semiconductors and other items to Huawei. Qualcomm has also sold semiconductors for mobile phones to Huawei. Some companies were reportedly notified on the same day that their export licenses were immediately revoked due to the Department of Commerce's action.
Despite U.S. government sanctions, Huawei's smartphone sales have been strong, leading to improved performance. Huawei's total revenue last year was 87 billion yuan (approximately 16.15 trillion won), more than double that of 2022.
The U.S. government is also reportedly considering sanctioning Chinese semiconductor companies that cooperate with Huawei to further curb the company. The intention is to disrupt the semiconductor supply chain necessary for Huawei products.
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