BUSINESS

U.S. Lifts Export Ban on Chip Design Software to China Amid Trade Thaw

Published: Jul. 3, 2025 4:07 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Siemens and Synopsys confirm resumption of EDA software sales and technical support to Chinese clients after Washington relaxes curbs. Photo: AI generated

The U.S. has lifted export controls on semiconductor design software to China, as the world’s two largest economies move forward on implementing a trade agreement.

German industrial giant Siemens AG confirmed to Caixin on Thursday that it had recently received a notice from the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) saying that the export restrictions on electronic design automation (EDA) software and technology to Chinese customers would no longer apply. Siemens said that it has restored full access to its software and resumed sales and technical support for affected products in China.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

The U.S. lifted export controls on semiconductor design (EDA) software to China, allowing Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence to resume sales and services.
The reversal follows June 2024 trade talks; the U.S. will cancel certain restrictions while China reviews export applications under new agreements.
In 2024, China accounted for ~25% of the $15 billion global EDA market, but local firms hold under 10% market share.

AI generated, for reference only

Who’s Who

Siemens AG: Siemens AG, a German industrial giant, confirmed that the U.S. has lifted export restrictions on its Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software and technology to China. This reversal allows Siemens to resume full sales and technical support in China, restoring access to previously restricted products.

Synopsys Inc.: Synopsys Inc. is a U.S.-based company and one of the world’s leading Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software firms. It had previously suspended sales and tech access to China due to U.S. export restrictions during the Trump administration. However, these restrictions have since been rescinded, and Synopsys is now working to restore access to its previously restricted products in China.

Cadence Design Systems Inc.: Cadence Design Systems Inc. is a U.S.-based company and one of the world's leading Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software firms. Along with Siemens EDA and Synopsys, it controls a significant portion of China's EDA market. Cadence had previously suspended sales and tech access to China due to export restrictions imposed by the Trump administration but is now resuming related services.

AI generated, for reference only

What Happened When

May 2025：: The world’s three leading EDA software firms suspended sales and tech access to China after the Trump administration blocked sales and required a license for exporting certain EDA software and technology to China.

Early June 2025：: High-level trade talks were held in London between China and the U.S.

June 5, 2025：: A consensus was reached during a call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump regarding trade and export controls.

June 27, 2025：: The Chinese Ministry of Commerce released a statement with details of the agreed framework for reviewing and approving export applications and the cancellation of restrictive measures by the U.S.

July 2, 2025：: Synopsys Inc. announced that the BIS had rescinded export restrictions related to China, effective immediately.

July 3, 2025：: Siemens AG confirmed receipt of notice from the U.S. Commerce Department’s BIS that export restrictions on EDA software and technology to Chinese customers would no longer apply, and announced resumption of full services in China.

AI generated, for reference only