U.S. Weighs Sweeping Software Export Curbs on China, Potentially Covering Goods Built With U.S. Code

Overview

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said "everything is on the table," describing possible controls on software, engines and other items.
• The proposal, not yet finalized, could restrict global shipments that contain U.S. software or were produced using it, echoing rules applied to Russia in 2022.
• The White House and Commerce Department declined to comment, while China condemned unilateral extraterritorial measures and vowed to defend its interests.
• Officials are also weighing narrower alternatives, and sources say an announcement could be used for leverage without immediate implementation.
• Markets reacted to the reports with tech stocks falling, as analysts warned broad software limits could disrupt supply chains and strain a fragile U.S. economy ahead of Trump–Xi talks.