Security News > 2024 > March > Chip lobby group SEMI to EU: Export restrictions should only be used in self-defense

SEMI, an industry association representing 3,000 chip vendors, would really appreciate it if the European Union would back off plans to impose export controls on China, arguing that they should only be used as a "Last resort" to protect national security.

Restrictions on the export of chip tech have become a potent instrument in US efforts to stifle China's domestic semiconductor industry.

"SEMI Europe would like to recall that the success of the European and global semiconductor industry is built upon a complex supply chain and that export controls should indeed on be a last resort for cases with genuine concerns for national security," the group argues.

"Over the last decades, European semiconductor companies have greatly benefitted from substantial investment from outside the EU," the industry association notes, adding that the EU should avoid "The introduction of excessive screening mechanisms that may discourage non-EU investors and undermine the potential success of the European Chips Act.".

Unsurprisingly, SEMI isn't a huge fan of the European Commission scrutinizing outbound investments either, arguing that it would put an unnecessary burden on local semiconductor businesses.

Instead of heavy-handed protective measures, SEMI makes the case that European chip firms would be better served by placing an equal emphasis on promotion of economic opportunities and the creation of partnerships with non-European countries.

News URL

https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2024/03/06/chip_semi_eu/