Malaysia Tightens Trade Controls on U.S. AI Chips Amid Global Tech Tensions
Malaysia has imposed immediate trade permit requirements for exports of U.S.-origin AI chips, marking a strategic MOVE to address regulatory gaps in its semiconductor supply chain. The new rules, announced by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), apply to all individuals and companies involved in the export, transshipment, or transit of these high-performance chips.
The decision reflects Malaysia's growing role in global tech trade and comes amid escalating U.S.-China tensions over semiconductor dominance. Authorities warned of strict penalties for attempts to bypass the controls, though enforcement challenges loom given the complexity of global supply chains and rising black market demand for restricted technology.