Paralysis at Export Bureau Threatens U.S. Trade and Tech Edge

The U.S. export license approval process is in disarray, with thousands of applications delayed, including high-profile shipments of AI chips from Nvidia to China. This paralysis within the Bureau of Industry and Security, under Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, is causing significant disruptions and uncertainty in the trade sector. The stalemate has resulted in a backlog of applications, the longest in over three decades, with industry representatives expressing frustration. Critics argue that the hesitancy in granting licenses is crippling American competitiveness, especially at a time when Chinese companies pursue alternative supply relationships. Internal criticism is also mounting against BIS Undersecretary Jeffrey…