Yazılar

U.S. Weighs Sweeping Curbs on Software Exports to China Amid Rare Earth Dispute

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The Trump administration is considering a sweeping new set of export restrictions targeting China’s access to U.S. software, in retaliation for Beijing’s tightening of rare earth shipments. The plan, discussed by senior officials and confirmed by multiple sources, could block exports of products ranging from laptops to jet engines that rely on U.S.-made or U.S.-designed software.

The proposal, which mirrors export controls once imposed on Russia, is part of a broader strategy to pressure China ahead of President Trump’s meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea later this month. While the plan remains under discussion and may not be implemented, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said “everything is on the table,” including coordinated measures with G7 allies.

Analysts warned the move could have far-reaching global implications, disrupting supply chains and triggering economic retaliation from Beijing. Emily Kilcrease, a former U.S. trade official, said software restrictions would be “extraordinarily difficult to implement” and could backfire on American industry.

The Chinese embassy condemned Washington’s potential actions as “unilateral and coercive,” vowing to protect China’s interests if the U.S. proceeds. U.S. markets reacted nervously to the report, with the S&P 500 closing down 0.5% and the Nasdaq falling about 1%.

Taiwan’s September Export Orders Surge 30.5% on Soaring Global AI Demand

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Taiwan’s export orders surged far beyond expectations in September, climbing 30.5% year-on-year to $70.22 billion, as booming global demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology continued to drive growth. It marked the eighth consecutive monthly increase, reaffirming Taiwan’s central role in the global semiconductor and tech supply chain.

The results, released by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, easily beat analysts’ forecasts of a 17.8% gain. The ministry credited the island’s expanding importance in AI and high-performance computing, sectors anchored by leading chipmakers such as TSMC, the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer.

While global trade uncertainties and newly imposed 20% U.S. tariffs have weighed on outlooks, Taiwan’s government said the measure is temporary as negotiations continue with Washington for more favorable trade terms. The ministry expects momentum to remain strong through the fourth-quarter holiday season, traditionally a peak period for electronics and consumer technology exports.

Orders for electronic products jumped 45.9%, while telecommunications equipment rose 33.1%. By region, orders from the United States soared 40.2%, China climbed 11.6% after a brief decline in August, Europe gained 16.9%, and Japan increased 22.8%.

The ministry projected export orders for October to rise between 23.7% and 27.3%, adding that total full-year export value could reach a record high if AI-related demand remains strong.

South Korea’s President Lee Vows Regulatory Easing and Tariff Talks to Support Trade

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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung pledged on Friday that his administration would ease regulations and accelerate working-level tariff negotiations with Washington, as part of a broader effort to support South Korean businesses facing international trade challenges.

Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the country’s top conglomerates, President Lee emphasized that his government would work to minimize the difficulties companies encounter in global competition and help them expand their economic footprint. The gathering included prominent figures such as Samsung Electronics Chairman Jay Y. Lee and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung.

“Our companies are struggling with international competition,” Lee told the business leaders, adding that his administration would adopt a “pragmatic, flexible” trade policy focused on national interests. His spokesperson, Kang Yu-jung, confirmed that Lee intends to expedite discussions on tariffs with Washington.

Since his election on June 3, Lee — a liberal who campaigned on a business-friendly platform — has prioritized economic issues, especially in light of South Korea’s export-driven economy. Key sectors such as semiconductors, automobiles, and shipbuilding are heavily reliant on global trade, making ongoing negotiations with the United States especially critical.

During the meeting, Lee invited executives to provide input on trade challenges. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who also heads the Korea Chamber of Commerce, voiced concerns about the uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs, which complicates corporate decision-making. Samsung’s Lee expressed hope that close cooperation between the government and private sector would help South Korea navigate what he described as a “multi-dimensional crisis.”

The U.S.-South Korea alliance also remains a focal point. On the same day, Seoul’s deputy minister for economic affairs Kim Hee-sang met with Sean O’Neill, a senior U.S. State Department official, to reaffirm bilateral cooperation. O’Neill emphasized opportunities to deepen collaboration in shipbuilding, economic security, and mutual investment.

The tariff negotiations come after President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed last week to work toward a swift deal during their first phone call since Lee assumed office.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s industry ministry announced plans to evaluate the impact of U.S. tariffs on domestic manufacturers, particularly in the home appliance sector, and to prepare targeted support measures.