Hua Xia Shi Bao·2025-07-04 12:35Core Viewpoint - The recent reversal of the U.S. export control policy on EDA (Electronic Design Automation) companies has significant implications for the semiconductor industry in China, highlighting the urgent need for domestic alternatives in core technology areas [1][4]. Group 1: Policy Changes - On July 3, 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce notified major EDA suppliers—Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens—that the previous requirement for government licenses for their operations in China has been lifted, allowing them to fully restore services to Chinese clients [2][3]. - The initial export restrictions imposed in May 2023 required these companies to apply for licenses to export specific EDA tools to China, which could have severely impacted both the companies and the domestic semiconductor industry [3][4]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The three major EDA companies dominate the global market, holding over 70% of the global EDA market share and exceeding 80% in the Chinese market [3]. - The recent export ban and its subsequent lifting have underscored the vulnerability of Chinese chip design firms to supply chain disruptions, as they rely heavily on these international EDA tools [4][5]. Group 3: Domestic Industry Response - The need for domestic EDA solutions has been amplified by the recent events, with experts suggesting that the Chinese semiconductor industry must support local EDA companies while also encouraging the adoption of domestic alternatives through policy measures [1][5]. - Domestic EDA companies, such as Huada Empyrean, GigaDevice, and Gexin Electronics, are currently small players in a market dominated by international giants, indicating a significant gap in technology and product offerings [5][6]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The long-term development of domestic EDA capabilities is essential, as the current reliance on international tools poses a substantial risk to the Chinese semiconductor supply chain [4][6]. - Mergers and acquisitions are seen as a strategy for domestic EDA firms to strengthen their market position and enhance technological capabilities, with several companies actively pursuing such opportunities [6][7].