KEY POINTS
- Computing giants Intel and AMD notified Chinese customers of significant delays in processor deliveries.
- New United States export control policies regarding high-performance computing components triggered the supply slowdown.
- The disruption threatens to slow down data center expansion and artificial intelligence research across China.
Global semiconductor leaders Intel and AMD recently issued warnings to their partners in China. Both companies confirmed that wait times for central processing units will increase substantially. This shift stems from the latest trade restrictions implemented by the United States government. These new regulations strictly limit the sale of high-performance semiconductors to the Chinese market.
The affected products primarily serve the data center and server sectors. Many Chinese technology firms rely on these chips to power complex cloud computing systems. Export controls now require these American companies to obtain specific licenses before shipping hardware. The approval process is often lengthy and remains highly unpredictable. This has caused a severe backlog in the global supply chain.
Intel confirmed in a statement that they must follow all local laws and regulations. This means conducting rigorous reviews of all controlled products destined for China. AMD shared a similar stance, emphasizing that legal compliance is their top operational priority. Neither firm provided a specific timeline for when normal supply levels might return.
This supply interruption poses a significant challenge for the Chinese artificial intelligence industry. Training large language models requires thousands of high-end processors working in tandem. Without access to the latest chips, research and development speeds could drop sharply. Some Chinese firms are now searching for domestic alternatives to fill the hardware gap.
However, a gap remains between domestic chip manufacturing and global leading standards. Replacing these imported high-performance components is difficult in the short term. Many companies are aggressively stockpiling existing chips to prepare for future uncertainty. This panic buying further tightens the global supply of critical technology.
Analysts believe this move will reshape the global technological landscape. The competition between the United States and China is shifting toward core hardware. The U.S. aims to maintain a competitive edge by restricting access to critical technology. Meanwhile, China is increasing investments to achieve self-sufficiency in the semiconductor field.
For global investors, this news has caused market fluctuations. Chipmakers derive a large portion of their revenue from the Chinese market. Long-term delivery issues could harm the financial performance of these major corporations. Additionally, these barriers may lead to higher costs for technology products worldwide.
Affected businesses are currently monitoring policy updates very closely. They hope to find ways to continue cooperation within the current legal framework. Given the current international climate, the shortage of chips may persist for a long time.
