Malaysia just announced new trade permit rules on AI chips. Starting immediately, exporting, transshipping, or transiting high-performance U.S.-origin AI chips requires official permits.
The move aims to control the flow of advanced AI hardware through Malaysia’s borders. It impacts companies shipping cutting-edge AI processors internationally.
The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) revealed the update on Monday. This clamps down on the distribution of sensitive AI tech from the U.S. to global markets passing through Malaysia. 
The rules don’t just cover exports but also transshipment—shipments passing through Malaysia en route elsewhere—and transit shipments.
The ministry didn’t say how long the permitting process would take or what qualifies as "high-performance." But this signals tighter restrictions on AI chip movements, possibly linked to broader trade and security concerns.
Malaysia’s step puts pressure on supply chains that rely on its ports for global AI chip distribution.
