Sophgo Denies Links with Huawei Amid TSMC Chip Supply Suspension

Sophgo's Statement on Business Relations with Huawei

According to Odaily, Sophgo, an artificial intelligence company linked to Bitmain, has publicly announced that it has had no direct or indirect business interactions with Huawei. This assertion comes amidst growing scrutiny over chip supplies to the tech giant.

TSMC Supply Cut and Investigation Developments

While Sophgo has firmly denied any links to Huawei, it has not refuted claims that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has cut off its chip supplies. This development follows a recent investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Commerce to ascertain whether TSMC had been supplying chips to Huawei. In compliance with this inquiry, TSMC has indeed ceased its chip supplies to Sophgo.

Context of U.S. Technology Restrictions

• Since 2020, Huawei has faced restrictions that prevent it from acquiring chips manufactured using U.S. technology, including those created by TSMC.
• TSMC acknowledges the use of U.S. technology in its manufacturing processes and commits to adhering to U.S. regulations.

Further Insights from TechInsights

Recent reports from semiconductor research firm TechInsights indicate that Huawei's latest high-end AI accelerator chip, the Ascend 910B, may have been produced by TSMC. This revelation raises concerns about potential violations of U.S. export controls, further complicating the ongoing chip supply issues for Huawei.

Implications for the Semiconductor Industry

The fallout from this situation is likely to have significant implications for the semiconductor industry as a whole. Companies connected to chip manufacturing may need to reassess their business relationships and compliance with international regulations.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of technology regulation, especially concerning semiconductor supply chains, poses new challenges for companies like Huawei and Sophgo. The cut in TSMC's supplies underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks and maintaining transparency in business relations.