Lutnik Endorses Export Controls, Greater Fines

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told trade practitioners to expect a significant increase in fines for export control violations and he called called for expanded cooperation with industry and allied governments to stem the flow of U.S. semiconductor technology to China.  

Speaking at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Update Conference, Lutnick directly accused Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek of acquiring U.S. chips through improper channels. “People took our chips and redirected them to China for money,” he said. “Sometimes it’s not that much money, and sometimes it’s a lot of money, but they’re seeking to destroy our way of life by assisting those who are against it.”