U.S. Ban: HBM2E/3/3E to be Prohibited by 2025, Chinese Technology Faces Major Changes

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that it will issue a ban on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), covering models HBM2E, HBM3, and HBM3E, which will take effect on January 2, 2025.

Currently, the HBM market is mainly dominated by three companies: SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron. SK Hynix allocates most of its HBM capacity to tech giants, while Micron, as a U.S. company, is unable to supply products to mainland China due to export control policies. As a result, Samsung holds a significant share of the HBM market in mainland China. However, once the U.S. HBM ban officially takes effect, Samsung's business in mainland China will inevitably face severe impacts.

According to forecasts from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, new restrictions are expected to be introduced in December, prohibiting the export of AI-core semiconductor HBM to China. This series of actions clearly indicates the Biden administration's strategy to curb China's development in high-tech fields such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence during its term. By implementing strict export controls, the U.S. aims to prevent advanced semiconductor equipment and technology from flowing into China to maintain its dominant position in the global tech sector.

In the face of the U.S. hardline policies, China’s high-tech industry is encountering unprecedented challenges. However, challenges often come with opportunities. Driven by external pressures, China may enter a golden age of independent innovation. Only by continuously strengthening its technological capabilities and enhancing self-research and innovation can China maintain its competitiveness in the high-tech arena.

The U.S. HBM ban will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the global HBM market and China's technology industry. Regardless of how situations change, China will steadfastly pursue an independent innovation path, committed to promoting the sustained development of its technology sector.