U.S. Trade Representative: "Benchmark can be adjusted" on advanced semiconductor export controls to China

"Personally, national security takes precedence over corporate profits"

Jameson Greer, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), said on the 7th (local time) that the U.S. policy of export controls on advanced semiconductors to China is "always fluid."

In an interview with Fox News, Representative Greer, when asked about Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, who opposes controls on advanced semiconductor exports, and whether "it is wise to provide advanced semiconductors to China," said, "As technology advances and accessibility improves, the benchmark for export controls can be adjusted."

Representative Greer said, "The Trump administration agrees that one must be really careful about sending cutting-edge tech products, semiconductors, or other items to China or other countries," but added, "(export control) adjustments can always occur."

However, he emphasized, "My personal view is that we must be very cautious about this," and said, "We want companies to be profitable, but national security must be the top priority. That's why President Trump discussed the types of semiconductors that could have exports restricted."

He added, "(Discussions about) where the benchmark for (export control) lies are always open and change over time."

Greer's remarks came as the White House considers whether to allow Nvidia to export its cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) chip H200 to China, amid a bipartisan bill in Congress aimed at blocking exports of the chip to China and CEO Huang publicly opposing such measures.

Accordingly, attention is focused on how far the Trump administration, which recently extended a one-year truce in its tariff war with China, will go in imposing export controls on the semiconductor.

Oh Se-sung, Hankyung.com reporter sesung@hankyung.com