US lets China buy semiconductor design software again

The US has lifted export restrictions on semiconductor design software to China, reversing a controversial policy imposed just six weeks ago that had threatened to cripple China’s chip design capabilities. 

The three leading semiconductor design software providers, Synopsys, Cadence Design Systems, and Germany’s Siemens, announced they had been notified that export license requirements for business in China are no longer in place. 

“On July 2, Synopsys received a letter from the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S. Department of Commerce informing Synopsys that the export restrictions related to China, pursuant to a letter received on May 29, 2025, have now been rescinded, effective immediately,”