US to impose export controls on quantum computing to constrain China

The rules target quantum computers and components, advanced chip-making tools, a cutting-edge semiconductor technology called the all-around gate, and various components and software related to metals and metal alloys. They cover all exports worldwide, but include exemptions for countries implementing similar measures. That group includes Japan and the Netherlands, among other allies, and the U.S. anticipates more nations will follow, the Commerce Department said in a news release.

Washington has for years clamped down on the ability of China and other adversaries to access the cutting-edge technologies needed for artificial intelligence, due to fears that the advanced chips and components could give Beijing a military advantage. The promise of softer license approvals provides an incentive for countries to join the US camp, given American leadership in a number of academic areas and research partnerships.

The US effort included unilateral measures that Washington tried to coordinate with several key allies — such as broad semiconductor export controls imposed for the first time in 2022 — as well as restrictions negotiated through a broader international framework, such as those issued Thursday.

“Aligning our controls over quantum and other advanced technologies makes it much more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security,” said Alan Estevez, who heads the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security, in a statement.

The US and China are leading a global push by governments to explore quantum computing, which some say will revolutionize the technology. While local experts have expressed concern about the impact of Washington’s sanctions on Beijing’s efforts in quantum technology, it is still too early to say whether they significantly disrupt research in China.

Years away from delivering world-changing performance, quantum computers promise speeds millions of times faster than classical computers. Countries around the world are investing billions of dollars in quantum computers, partly out of fear of the military and economic advantages they can bring.

Thursday’s action opens a 60-day public comment period before officials issue a final rule.

The US has been working separately on a new package of chip-related export controls that would target China’s access to so-called high-bandwidth memory chips, a key component of AI, as well as a range of semiconductor manufacturing tools , Bloomberg reported. That effort includes measures with a global focus, but with exemptions for key allies, including Japan and the Netherlands, which are home to two of the most important companies in the chip supply chain.

Washington is pressing Tokyo and The Hague to adopt similar rules, but has faced pushback from both governments, which are reluctant to harm their champion companies — and, in the case of Japan, fear retaliation from China.

Both Japan and the Netherlands have already imposed some restrictions aligned with the original US rules in 2022, but with key differences that have frustrated US companies. Washington is working to close these loopholes – with some recent progress in the Netherlands – and pursue a multilateral strategy on the latest potential measures.

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