US lifts curbs for EDA software, ethane

The United States has lifted restrictions on exports to China for chip design software developers and ethane producers, a further sign of deescalating US-Sino trade tensions including concessions from Beijing over rare earths.

- KAREN FREIFELD SURBHI MISR

Synopsys, Cadence Design Systems and Siemens, three of the world’s largest electronic design automation (EDA) software developers, said on Wednesday they are restoring access to their software and technology for customers in China.

Earlier in the day, the US also sent letters to ethane producers to rescind a restrictive licensing requirement on exports to China imposed in late May and June.

The restrictions on EDA software developers and ethane producers ‘were just some of many countermeasures imposed by US President Donald Trump's administration in response to China's export suspension of rare earths and related magnets in April.