US May Ban Optical Transceivers from China

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is preparing new restrictions that would ban imports of optical transceivers manufactured in China. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by Reuters, this important decision could be made by the end of 2026. The measure would be the next step in Washington’s policy of reducing dependence on Chinese telecommunications equipment. This is reported by Ixbt.com.

Optical transceivers are among the most important elements of modern server infrastructure. They convert electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, enabling ultra-high-speed data transmission between servers and network equipment. These modules form the foundation of data centers, cloud platforms and computing systems designed for artificial intelligence.

Security Concerns and Market Leaders

According to Reuters, US officials are concerned that this equipment could be used for cyberespionage, the introduction of malware or the disruption of critical infrastructure. These technologies have strategic importance because they provide higher speeds and greater energy efficiency than traditional copper connections.

Today, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of optical transceivers is China’s Innolight, which holds about 27% of the global market. In the United States, companies such as Lumentum, Coherent and Applied Optoelectronics produce similar products, but sources say they still lag behind their Chinese competitors in production scale.

US Policy Toward Chinese Technology

Over the past several years, the US has imposed restrictions on Huawei products and tightened rules for certain types of drones, network equipment and robotics. Optical transceivers could now join routers, robot vacuum cleaners and inverters from China on the blacklist.

At the same time, US law allows temporary exemptions under certain conditions. Earlier, for example, Netgear and Amazon obtained special permits to use certain types of equipment.

China’s Response

China’s embassy in Washington called on the US to refrain from further tightening restrictions and to take the interests of businesses in both countries into account. Beijing, in turn, said it reserved the right to take retaliatory measures if Washington’s actions harmed Chinese companies.