Trump Administration Tightens Tech Exports to China, Targeting Key Semiconductor Software Firms

The Trump administration has moved to block several American tech companies from selling software used in semiconductor design to China, escalating trade tensions between the two global powers.

According to a report by the Financial Times, U.S.-based software giants including Cadence, Synopsys, and Siemens EDA are among those impacted.

The companies, which supply critical tools for designing high-performance chips, have either had their export licenses suspended or face new restrictions under a U.S. Commerce Department review.

“In some cases, Commerce has suspended existing export licenses or imposed additional license requirements while the review is pending,” a department spokesperson told CNN, though they declined to specify which companies were affected.

The restrictions underscore renewed tensions despite a temporary truce in the long-running U.S.-China trade war.

Earlier this month, negotiators from both nations met in Geneva, resulting in a short-term agreement to lower tariffs: the U.S. dropped some duties on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%, while China cut tariffs on American imports from 125% to 10%. The ceasefire is set to expire in August.

China, through its U.S. embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu, has condemned the latest move, accusing Washington of "overstretching the concept of national security, abusing export controls, and maliciously suppressing China.”

“China will keep a close eye on relevant developments, and take resolute measures to firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,” Liu said.

The tech war continues to evolve as the U.S. seeks to limit China's access to cutting-edge chip technology amid broader concerns over national security and global market dominance.

Industry analysts warn that the latest move could further disrupt global supply chains and worsen geopolitical friction as both nations race to secure technological advantage.