Siemens Restores Full Access to Chip Software in China After US Lifts Restrictions

Siemens AG has reinstated full access to its semiconductor design software for Chinese customers following a notice from the US government lifting sales restrictions. The TRUMP administration had previously intensified barriers for US firms selling chip design tools to China, impacting major electronic design automation providers including Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence Design Systems.

The Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security had instructed these companies to halt shipments to Chinese clients, effectively freezing transactions. The policy shift triggered immediate market reactions—Cadence shares plunged 10.7%, while Synopsys dropped 9.6% in their steepest single-day declines since 2020.

While the Commerce Department confirmed ongoing reviews of key exports to China, including paused licenses and additional requirements, the long-term implications of this reversal remain uncertain. The development underscores the fragility of global tech supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.