Due to US restrictions on China: "Microsoft" warns of disruption to AI centers

"Microsoft" and US tech companies are pressuring the Trump administration to reverse plans to ban imports of Chinese optical transceivers essential for AI data centers, warning that the move would disrupt their construction and weaken US competitiveness.

"Microsoft" and several US technology companies are pressuring the Trump administration to reverse plans to impose restrictions on imports of key Chinese components for operating AI data centers, warning that the step could hinder the construction of these centers and weaken the United States' ability to compete with China in this sector. Reuters reported, citing three informed sources, that "Microsoft" is seeking to halt a US plan to ban imports of new types of Chinese optical transceivers, which are used to transmit data at high speeds between servers and equipment within data centers. The US Federal Communications Commission is studying the proposed restrictions, but no final decision has been made yet. According to Reuters, the Trump administration began preparing these measures last August as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese technology in US digital infrastructure. "Microsoft" and other tech companies fear that banning Chinese components could delay the operation of new data centers, especially with the rapid expansion of facilities dedicated to training and running AI models. Optical transceivers play an essential role in these centers, transmitting data via fiber optic cables and connecting servers, routers, and network switches. Some large data centers require millions of units of these devices, making their availability in sufficient quantities a key condition for operating these centers.