US strengthens chip controls, warns DeepSeek over misuse

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has emphasized efforts to prevent China from acquiring US-made semiconductor chips.

Speaking at a Bureau of Industry and Security conference on Mar. 18, 2025, Lutnick claimed that Chinese AI company DeepSeek improperly used US chips.

He stated that some individuals redirected American chips to China for personal profit. Lutnick warned that these actions could harm US interests.

He noted that the administration plans to include export controls in trade agreements to align with US policies.

Recent DeepSeek developments

Timeline
13-Mar-2025 🚫 DeepSeek denies rumors about R2 model launch DeepSeek denies rumors of an R2 model launch on Mar. 17, stating no official release date has been set.
09-Mar-2025 📈 DeepSeek’s rise sparks AI market shake-up DeepSeek’s low-cost AI app tops US iOS downloads, reshaping market dynamics and impacting Nvidia’s stock significantly.
01-Mar-2025 🔓 DeepSeek wraps up week of AI model disclosures DeepSeek gains attention by open-sourcing eight AI projects, challenging closed practices of competitors like OpenAI.
27-Feb-2025 💡 DeepSeek offers 75% discounts during off-peak hours DeepSeek launches discounted off-peak pricing for AI models, reducing costs by up to 75%, boosting competition.
26-Feb-2025 🚀 DeepSeek reopens AI model access after suspension DeepSeek reopens its API after a three-week pause, intensifying competition in China’s AI sector amid new Alibaba model launch.
25-Feb-2025 📈 DeepSeek AI models fuel Nvidia demand in China, sources say Chinese firms boost orders for Nvidia’s H20 AI chip, driven by DeepSeek’s efficient models amid rising demand.