A senior official at the U.S. Commerce Department has signaled that new regulatory measures targeting artificial intelligence and semiconductors are imminent.
Jeffrey Kessler, who oversees export controls, made the announcement during a congressional hearing on Tuesday, indicating that the administration is preparing to tighten restrictions on the technology sector.
The statement introduces fresh regulatory risk for semiconductor manufacturers and AI developers who rely on cross-border supply chains.
While Kessler did not provide specific details on the scope or timing of the rules, the confirmation that action is underway suggests that companies should prepare for potential compliance hurdles and supply chain disruptions in the near term.
This development comes as the industry faces mounting pressure from other fronts.
Recent reports indicate that consumer electronics prices are set to rise significantly this year, driven by a global shortage of memory chips.