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Asian semiconductor stocks climbed on Thursday after the U.S. Commerce Department lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China, following a recent trade agreement between Washington and Beijing. The move is seen as a step toward easing ongoing tech tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Leading American chip design firms Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS) and Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:CDNS) confirmed they can now resume supplying electronic design automation (EDA) tools to Chinese companies. The resumption of access to these critical tools sparked optimism across Asia's chip sector.
South Korea’s Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) surged nearly 3%, while SK Hynix (KS:000660) rose 0.8% on expectations that the policy shift will help secure essential design technologies. In Japan, Renesas Electronics (TYO:6723) gained almost 5%, and Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TYO:8035) advanced 1.8%.
In China, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (HK:0981) traded slightly lower despite a broader market downturn, while Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd (HK:1347) edged up 0.3%. Shenzhen-listed NAURA Technology Group (SZ:002371), a key chipmaking equipment supplier, added 1%.
Beijing had previously cited U.S. export restrictions on chip technology as a major friction point. The rollback of these restrictions marks a notable concession and could pave the way for more cooperation in high-tech sectors.
The rally underscores investor confidence that reduced export barriers may support supply chain stability and benefit semiconductor manufacturers across Asia. The easing of EDA tool access is especially critical for China’s chip development ambitions amid ongoing efforts to boost domestic semiconductor capabilities.
