Taiwanese semiconductor companies are likely to comply with new US export controls aimed at curbing China’s influence in the industry, with the island’s government saying they attach “great importance” to complying with the law in a statement that suggests their cooperation.
The new rules announced by President Joe Biden’s administration include a measure to prevent China from obtaining certain chips made anywhere in the world with US equipment, vastly expanding its ability to slow Beijing’s technological and military advances.
Taiwan, a major chip producer, is home to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), the largest chipmaker on the planet and a major supplier to companies such as Apple and Nvidia.
In a statement in response to the US announcement, Taiwan’s Economy Ministry appeared to be willing to comply with the controls.
“Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has long served global customers and attaches great importance to compliance with laws,” it said.
“In addition to complying with domestic laws and regulations, it will also cooperate with the needs of international customers who place orders and the norms of customers in their countries.”
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is a technological leader and continues to “maintain an advantage in the competition for international orders”, the ministry said.
The ministry also said that the government continues to maintain close contact with manufacturers and supports them in investing in factory expansion and supplying products to the world for technological development.
TSMC declined to comment on the new controls, saying it was in its quiet period ahead of quarterly earnings next week. Smaller competitor United Microelectronics Corp also declined comment ahead of its earnings release later this month.