In a significant development easing trade tensions, the United States has lifted restrictions on exports to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers. This move signals a step toward de-escalating the ongoing trade disputes between the two economic giants.
Three of the world’s leading electronic design automation (EDA) software companies—Synopsys, Cadence Design Systems, and Siemens—announced on Wednesday that they are reinstating access to their software and technology for customers in China.
Earlier, the U.S. government had also rescinded restrictive licensing requirements imposed in recent months on ethane exports to China. Ethane is a key component in the production of plastics and other chemicals.
These restrictions were part of a series of measures implemented by the previous U.S. administration amid escalating trade tensions.
Following discussions, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on Friday that both sides have agreed on a framework under which China will review export applications for controlled items, and the U.S. will revoke corresponding restrictive measures.
A source familiar with the negotiations commented, “As the U.S. and China continue to adhere to this framework agreement, we can expect many of these restrictions to be lifted, returning to the status quo we had earlier this year.”
