(Yicai) July 3 -- Suppliers of electronic design automation tools have informed Chinese semiconductor companies that the United States has lifted its restrictions on the sale of key chip design software.

A manager at a Shanghai-based semiconductor firm confirmed to Yicai that the company had received a notice from an overseas EDA supplier regarding the removal of sales restrictions.

On July 2, the US Department of Commerce instructed EDA vendors -- including industry leaders Siemens, Synopsys, and Cadence Design Systems -- to lift export restrictions for Chinese firms using EDA tools for manufacturing processes at 28nm and above. However, Chinese companies included in the US Entity List will still be required to apply for individual export licenses.

The move marks a de-escalation in trade tensions following restrictions introduced in late May by the Donald Trump administration, which had imposed limits on the export of chip design software to China -- a major semiconductor producer that relies heavily on imported EDA tools.

A representative from California-based Synopsys said the company is working to resume sales of previously restricted products in China after receiving a letter from the US Bureau of Industry and Security. Synopsys will continue to assess the impact of China-related export controls on its business, operations, and financial performance.

Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Siemens has restored full access to its software and technology for its Chinese customers following the latest notification from the US government.

Editors: Tang Shihua, Emmi Laine