The US Department of Commerce has withdrawn a proposed rule governing global access to artificial intelligence (AI) chips, marking the latest shift in Washington’s evolving approach to AI export controls, Reuters reported.

The draft regulation, titled “AI Action Plan Implementation”, had been submitted for inter-agency review on Feb 26 before being quietly pulled from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website. No reason was provided for the withdrawal.

The move reflects ongoing policy adjustments under the administration of President Donald Trump as it seeks to replace the export control framework introduced in January 2025 under former President Joe Biden.

According to documents seen by Reuters, the draft proposal considered requiring foreign governments to invest in US data centres or provide security guarantees to access exports of more than 200,000 advanced AI chips.

The plan diverged from the previous Biden-era framework, which largely exempted close US allies from strict restrictions while targeting access by strategic rivals, particularly China.

Analysts said the withdrawal likely reflects differing views within the administration over how to maintain US leadership in AI while balancing national security concerns.

The Commerce Department has previously indicated it is working on new export rules, but signalled they will differ from what it described as the “burdensome” framework proposed by the previous administration.

Source: Business Today

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