U.S. Department of Commerce Updates Export Controls on AI and Semiconductor Technology
On January 13, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an update to the Biden-Harris Administration’s AI and semiconductor export controls on China, introducing their AI diffusion framework. This move follows the December 2, 2024 updates, further safeguarding American-made AI technology. These policies are crucial to U.S. national security, as export controls have become a key component in preventing the People’s Republic of China from utilizing critical and emerging technologies for military modernization.
On January 14, 2025, the CSIS Wadhwani AI Center hosted Alan Estevez, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, to discuss these updates and reflect on the Biden administration’s strategy regarding AI and semiconductor export controls. The event examined the importance of maintaining U.S. technological leadership and the future of technology competition with China.
As the head of BIS, Mr. Estevez oversees the implementation and enforcement of export controls on dual-use critical technologies. He investigates transactions in tech supply chains that may threaten U.S. national security. Before joining BIS, Mr. Estevez served 36 years at the Department of Defense, including in two Senate-confirmed leadership positions. Most recently, he was Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology & Logistics.
The discussion highlighted how BIS has built upon earlier controls from both the Biden and Trump administrations. It also explored the evolving landscape of technology competition between the U.S. and its adversaries.
This event was made possible by general support to CSIS. For more information, contact Sadie McCullough, Program Coordinator at the Wadhwani AI Center, at SMcCullough@csis.org.
