China's semiconductor industry has faced major challenges due to intensified U.S. export controls, particularly targeting blacklisted companies like SMIC, YMTC, and CXMT. However, even SMIC and CXMT can still get the chipmaking equipment they need for fabs that use the so-called trailing nodes, reports American Affairs. The question is, how many of those tools end up in blacklisted fabs?
The restrictions imposed by two U.S. governments over the past six years aim to prevent Chinese firms from advancing in cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication processes, as the latter can be used to make chips that will boost China's military capabilities. Of course, in response, China has accelerated efforts to develop domestic chipmaking equipment capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign tools. But do the imposed restrictions work?
