The Trump administration is preparing new restrictions targeting Chinese-made components used in data centers, according to sources cited by Reuters. The potential measures could affect the import of certain Chinese technologies considered strategic for digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence development.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reportedly working on rules that would limit the entry of some Chinese equipment used in data centers, including optical transceivers that enable high-speed data transmission through fiber-optic networks.

These components are essential for modern digital infrastructure, particularly as demand grows for data centers supporting artificial intelligence applications.

US authorities argue that the restrictions are driven by national security concerns, including potential risks related to data security, cyber threats and vulnerabilities affecting critical infrastructure.

Data centers have become a strategic sector in the global race for artificial intelligence. They host the computing systems and networking equipment required to develop and operate advanced AI models.

The planned restrictions could affect several Chinese suppliers, including companies involved in optical networking technologies. They could also impact major US cloud providers that rely on global supply chains to expand their AI infrastructure.

The initiative is part of a broader US strategy under the Trump administration to reduce dependence on Chinese technologies in sectors considered critical, including semiconductors, telecommunications and digital infrastructure.

Washington has already introduced measures limiting access to certain Chinese-made technologies, citing national security concerns.

A ban on Chinese components could reshape global supply chains for data centers. Alternative suppliers in the United States and other countries could benefit from the shift, while technology companies may face higher costs as demand for AI infrastructure continues to rise.

The move comes at a time when companies worldwide are investing heavily in data centers to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence services.

Beijing has criticized Washington’s approach, describing such measures as protectionist and harmful to technology cooperation between the two countries.

The proposed restrictions remain under preparation and could still be modified before any final decision is implemented.