The Trump administration is reviewing possible changes to a Biden-era rule that restricts global access to advanced AI chips, including potentially scrapping the current system that divides countries into three tiers, according to three sources familiar with the matter.
The rule, known as the Framework for Artificial Intelligence Diffusion, was issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in January 2025, just before former President Joe Biden left office. It is set to take effect on May 15. Its primary goal is to keep the most sophisticated AI technologies within the U.S. and among its allies, while limiting access for countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
Currently, the rule categorizes countries into three groups: a first tier with unrestricted access (including 17 countries and Taiwan), a second tier subject to caps, and a third tier—countries of concern—completely blocked from obtaining the chips.
Trump officials are now considering replacing the tiered system with a global licensing regime based on government-to-government agreements, sources told Reuters. Such a move would align with President Donald Trump’s broader trade strategy, using access to U.S. technology as leverage in bilateral negotiations.
"There are some voices pushing for elimination of the tiers," former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in an interview Tuesday. He added that the proposal remains "a work in progress," but noted government-to-government agreements are one possible alternative.
Other changes under consideration include tightening the threshold for chip orders exempt from licensing requirements. Currently, orders under the equivalent of about 1,700 of Nvidia’s H100 chips only require notification to the government, not a license. The Trump administration may lower that threshold to orders equivalent to about 500 H100 chips, one source indicated.
While Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has promoted stronger integration of export controls into U.S. trade talks, critics argue that eliminating the tiers could complicate enforcement rather than simplify it.
Ken Glueck, executive vice president at Oracle and a vocal critic of the current rule, questioned the logic of the tier system, pointing to inconsistencies such as Israel and Yemen both being classified in the second tier. "Wouldn't surprise me they're going to take a new look at this," Glueck said.
Tech giants Oracle and Nvidia had both voiced strong criticism when the original rule was issued. Industry leaders argue that excessive restrictions could push buyers in Tier 2 countries toward Chinese alternatives, a concern echoed by seven Republican senators who recently called for the rule’s withdrawal in a letter to Secretary Lutnick.
As the May 15 implementation date nears, the Trump administration’s final decision on revising the rule could have significant implications for the future of AI chip distribution and international tech competition.
The Trump administration has told U.S. embassies to stop scheduling new visa interviews for international students and exchange visitors. This pause is part of a plan to increase social media checks on applicants.
The U.S. Mint will end production of the penny by early next year, citing high manufacturing costs and a directive from President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump signed four executive orders directing the Department of Energy to ease regulations and accelerate the construction of nuclear reactors.
The Trump administration has granted Syria a temporary waiver from key U.S. sanctions and loosened business restrictions, marking the first formal step in a broader plan to dismantle decades-old penalties.
The Trump administration has barred Harvard from admitting international students, fueling diplomatic tensions and sparking outrage in China.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
Taxi drivers across France are protesting government plans to cut payments for driving patients to medical appointments. These cuts are part of a broader effort by Prime Minister François Bayrou to save €40 billion in the 2026 budget and reduce the country’s large deficit.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
More than 500 people were arrested and two fatalities reported following chaotic celebrations across France after Paris Saint-Germain's historic Champions League victory, according to the interior ministry.
As Germany considers providing long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, military experts warn the move could enable Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, including Moscow — a shift that could escalate tensions and draw NATO closer to direct confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out one of its largest drone strikes of the war, reportedly hitting more than 40 Russian military aircraft at multiple air bases, a Ukrainian security official told Reuters on Sunday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday that Ukraine will attend a meeting in Istanbul on Monday, following a proposal from Russia.
Flash floods in central Nigeria have killed at least 151 people, with authorities warning the toll may rise further as search and rescue operations continue in the flood-ravaged town of Mokwa, Niger State.
A celebration of Turkish cuisine and friendship took place in Karachi on Sunday as the Turkish Consulate hosted a World Breakfast Day event, sharing traditional flavours with a distinguished Pakistani audience.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment