China to put export controls on compound semi materials
New measures will impact gallium and germanium-based materials
China will put export controls on materials widely used in the compound semiconductor industry including GaAs, GaN, Ga2O3, GaP, GaSe, InGaAs and gallium metal.
These controls will also apply to germanium dioxide, germanium epitaxial growth substrate, germanium ingot, germanium metal, germanium tetrachloride and zinc germanium phosphide.
China said that the controls, which will to take effect from August 1 2023, are aimed at protecting national security and interests. Exporters will need to go through procedures to obtain export licences.
A report by Reuters describes the move as "the latest salvo in an escalating war over access to high-tech microchips between Beijing and the United States".
Reuters adds that the US and the Netherlands are "also set to deliver a one-two punch to China's chipmakers this summer by further restricting sales of chipmaking equipment, part of efforts to prevent their technology from being used to strengthen China's military."
