Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) CEO Lisa Su has emphasized that China remains a “large opportunity” for the semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries, despite ongoing export controls and tariff policies that create uncertainty for the sector. Speaking about the need for a balance between national security concerns and enabling widespread adoption of U.S. technology, Su stressed the importance of ensuring that American innovation remains competitive globally.
Su explained that U.S. leadership in AI and its broad adoption is essential for the economy and job creation. She noted that while national security considerations must be addressed through export controls, it is equally critical to facilitate the global spread of U.S.-made technology. According to Su, this approach not only benefits the U.S. tech industry but also supports long-term economic growth.
Her comments came following AMD’s fiscal first-quarter results, where the company exceeded earnings expectations and issued strong guidance. However, Su acknowledged that AMD would face a significant financial impact from the ongoing trade restrictions with China, estimating a $1.5 billion loss this year due to these export controls. Last month, AMD also reported that it would lose up to $800 million in revenue due to restrictions on shipping its MI308 products to China and other countries. These restrictions, enforced by the U.S. government, are designed to limit China’s access to advanced AI processors, which could potentially be used for military advancements, threatening U.S. technological dominance.
The evolving tariff policies under President Donald Trump have added further challenges for the semiconductor industry. Despite the uncertainties, Su emphasized that AMD is adapting to these market dynamics, working to move more of its manufacturing operations to the U.S. She acknowledged that while tariffs may impact the company’s portfolio, the effects are relatively minor, and AMD has seen strong sales, particularly in April.
Su noted that the company has become highly agile in response to the fluctuations in the semiconductor supply chain and intends to continue monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that it responds strategically to emerging trends and challenges. Other AI chipmaking CEOs, including Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, have also expressed concerns about the impact of these restrictions on their ability to compete in the expanding AI market.
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