United States of America: Expanded Controls Related to Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing including export restrictions with respect to Macau

On 17 January 2023, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the US Department of Commerce implemented the rule entitled "Implementation of Additional Export Controls: Certain Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items; Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use; Entity List Modification; Updates to the Controls To Add Macau”. This rule expands the scope of the export restrictions on semiconductors adopted on 7 October 2022. With the newest action, BIS applies the same controls initially implemented on China to Macau. Firstly, the rule includes specific computing chips and technological goods that contain high-performance computing chips to the Commerce Control List, requiring any entity to verify if they must first obtain a licence to export it to other countries. Secondly, the rule amends the Export Administration Regulations to expand the BIS regulatory power over advanced computing, and supercomputer end uses items manufactured in foreign countries. Thirdly, the rule adds the equipment necessary for producing semiconductors to the Commerce Control List, obliging any entity to verify if they need an export licence to export any equipment that other countries could use to develop their semiconductor industry.