全球芯片战争新变数！特朗普准备放大招

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is considering abolishing the AI chip export tier system, potentially using semiconductors as a "diplomatic weapon" in trade negotiations to gain greater benefits [1][2]. Group 1: Current Regulations - The existing regulations classify the world into three tiers: 17 countries and regions in Tier 1 can access unlimited chips, approximately 120 countries in Tier 2 have capped access, while countries like Russia, Iran, and North Korea are in Tier 3 and blocked from chip access [2]. - The regulations were established under the Biden administration and are designed to control the distribution of advanced AI chips, ensuring that the most advanced computing capabilities remain within the U.S. and its allies [1]. Group 2: Proposed Changes - The Trump administration is weighing the option to replace the tiered access method with a global licensing system based on intergovernmental agreements [2]. - Potential changes may include lowering the threshold for license exemptions, with discussions around setting the ban threshold at orders equivalent to 500 H100 chips, down from the current threshold of 1,700 [3]. Group 3: Industry Reactions - Some experts believe that abolishing the tier system could complicate regulations further, despite the administration's aim to make rules "stronger but simpler" [4]. - Critics of the current tiered system, such as Oracle's executive vice president, argue that the classification is unreasonable, citing examples like Israel and Yemen being in Tier 2 [4].