Home
Tech News
MediaTek CEO: Not approved to supply to Huawei

MediaTek CEO: Not approved to supply to Huawei

2023-08-08 243 0

In a recent statement, the CEO of MediaTek, Rick Tsai, confirmed that the company is not approved to supply its products to Huawei. This announcement comes amidst the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, which have had a significant impact on the global technology industry.

MediaTek is a Taiwanese semiconductor company that specializes in designing and manufacturing system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for various electronic devices, including smartphones. The company has been a key player in the smartphone market, providing chipsets for numerous brands worldwide such as Xiaomi, Tecno, and Blackview (rugged phones).

However, due to the U.S. government's restrictions on Huawei, many companies have had to reassess their business relationships with the Chinese tech giant. The U.S. Department of Commerce added Huawei to its Entity List in May 2019, citing national security concerns. This move effectively banned American companies from doing business with Huawei without obtaining a special license.

Although MediaTek is not an American company, it relies heavily on American technology and intellectual property rights. As a result, it must comply with U.S. regulations and restrictions. In his statement, Tsai clarified that MediaTek has applied for a license from the U.S. government to supply chips to Huawei but has not yet received approval.

The decision not to supply Huawei is likely driven by MediaTek's desire to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions associated with violating U.S. regulations. By adhering to these restrictions, the company aims to protect its business interests and maintain its relationships with other global partners.

This development poses a significant challenge for Huawei as it seeks alternative suppliers for crucial components like chipsets. Previously, Huawei relied heavily on American companies like Qualcomm for its smartphone chipsets. With MediaTek also out of the picture, Huawei's options become more limited.

Huawei has been actively exploring alternatives to mitigate the impact of these restrictions. The company has invested heavily in developing its own chipsets through its subsidiary, HiSilicon. However, the production capacity and technological capabilities of HiSilicon are still not on par with established chip manufacturers like Qualcomm or MediaTek.

The inability to source chipsets from MediaTek further complicates Huawei's efforts to maintain its position in the highly competitive smartphone market. It remains to be seen how the company will navigate these challenges and whether it can find suitable alternatives to sustain its business operations.

In conclusion, MediaTek CEO Rick Tsai has confirmed that the company is not approved to supply its products to Huawei. This decision is a result of the U.S. government's restrictions on Huawei and the need for MediaTek to comply with these regulations. The absence of MediaTek as a supplier poses additional challenges for Huawei as it seeks alternative sources for crucial components.