The United States Department of Commerce demanded Samsung and other chip manufacturers who operate on U.S. soil to submit all first-tier semiconductor data related to their chip businesses before November 8 under the pretext of the global semiconductor shortage. Samsung contested the Department of Commerce's request with backing from Korea's National Intelligence Service, and the U.S. institution reportedly revised its demands and agreed on a compromise.
The ongoing semiconductor shortage has convinced the U.S. Department of Commerce that it's necessary to be able to better predict semiconductor availability based on data from chipmakers. The institution wants to ensure that parts are available within reasonable timeframes and doesn't want to be left out in the dark regarding each manufacturer's supply.
Samsung agrees on sharing second-tier semiconductor business data
The Department of Commerce initially demanded access to confidential information regarding inventory levels, order volumes, supply times, and procurement practices. Evidently, Samsung isn't too keen on sharing this sensitive information with anyone. And with backing from Korea's National Intelligence Service, the company reportedly persuaded the U.S. Department of Commerce to soften its demands.
Instead of handing over first-tier semiconductor business data, Samsung reportedly agreed to provide second-tier data related to chipmaking. This won't include highly-classified information such as inventory levels, order volumes, or client names, but it should give the U.S. Department of Commerce enough data for better planning.
The data will have to be shared before Monday, November 8, and a more formal announcement related to the matter should be issued on the same day. We'll keep you posted as soon as we find out more.
