When the Chips Are Down: Dealing in U.S. Export Controls Within the Telecommunications Industry

The telecommunications industry has increasingly become a hot topic of foreign policy and national security, leading to the strengthening and heightened enforcement of U.S. export controls and sanctions laws. Such laws are constantly changing regarding what entities U.S. (and non-U.S.) persons can legally trade with, invest in, and do business with. Companies are having to not only scramble to address the chip shortage, but then, once finally in hand, also wade through myriad restrictions on where and to whom they can provide such chips or resulting end products. The developments are fast and furious.