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.
Thousands of international students whose U.S. visas were recently revoked will have their legal status restored following a sudden policy reversal by the Trump administration.
The Trump administration has significantly increased efforts to cancel the visas and residency permits of international students, with hundreds of student visas revoked in recent weeks, according to an analysis published by Inside Higher Ed.
The United States imposed sanctions on Thursday on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and some Hong Kong-flagged vessels that are part of a shadow fleet that helps disguise Iranian oil shipments, the Treasury Department said.
European Union leaders announced a 4.7 billion euro ($5.10 billion) investment package during a visit to South Africa on Thursday, at a time when both are on worse terms with the United States than they have been for decades.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence.
President Donald Trump stepped back—slightly. On Tuesday, he signed a new order softening his auto tariffs just days before fresh 25% duties were set to hit imported car parts.
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket suffered a technical failure after launch on Tuesday, causing a Lockheed Martin satellite to crash into the Pacific Ocean.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that any progress toward ending the war depends on Russia declaring an unconditional ceasefire.
Three people were killed in a shooting in central Uppsala on Tuesday, police confirmed, as the city began celebrations for Walpurgis Night.
Russia launched a major missile and drone assault on Kyiv overnight on April 24, killing at least twelve people and injuring 90, including children and a pregnant woman, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko.
In an expansive interview marking his first 100 days back in office, President Donald Trump sketched out an agenda that touches everything from punitive tariffs and China policy to cease-fire hopes in Ukraine and an overhaul of domestic programmes. Below are the highlights.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
For three generations, the Liebigs built railcars in Görlitz. Now, the factory that shaped their lives will produce parts for battle tanks.
A deadly explosion at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port has left at least 40 dead, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, halting operations at one of the country’s most vital trade hubs.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday invited global scientists to make Europe their new home, amid rising pressure on U.S. universities under the Trump administration.
North Korea has conducted the first weapons test on its new “Choe Hyon-class” warship, firing cruise missiles, anti-air missiles, and artillery, state media reported on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence.
President Donald Trump stepped back—slightly. On Tuesday, he signed a new order softening his auto tariffs just days before fresh 25% duties were set to hit imported car parts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that any progress toward ending the war depends on Russia declaring an unconditional ceasefire.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday that India is planning a military strike within the next 24 to 36 hours, citing credible intelligence.
President Donald Trump stepped back—slightly. On Tuesday, he signed a new order softening his auto tariffs just days before fresh 25% duties were set to hit imported car parts.
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha rocket suffered a technical failure after launch on Tuesday, causing a Lockheed Martin satellite to crash into the Pacific Ocean.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that any progress toward ending the war depends on Russia declaring an unconditional ceasefire.
Three people were killed in a shooting in central Uppsala on Tuesday, police confirmed, as the city began celebrations for Walpurgis Night.
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