Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced new export pre-approval measures for semiconductor products destined for South Africa, adding another layer of scrutiny to global chip supply chains. The move underscores how geopolitical and security considerations are increasingly shaping the flow of critical technologies — even to markets not traditionally viewed as major chip destinations.

Officials have cited national security and technology protection concerns as part of the rationale for the policy, which will apply to a range of integrated circuits and advanced semiconductor components. Exporters will now need to obtain prior authorisation before fulfilling orders to South Africa, with similar frameworks already in place for shipments to other regions deemed sensitive or high-risk.

Why it matters
The decision highlights how geopolitical currents are rippling through the semiconductor ecosystem. What once seemed a purely commercial trade — shipping chips — is now entwined with national security and global influence. For companies across Asia, this means that the destination of their products, and even the intermediary logistics routes, could attract new layers of regulatory attention and compliance requirements.

The human touch
The world’s supply chains are quietly evolving from “just-in-time” to “just-in-case”. What was once a race for speed and efficiency is becoming a matter of foresight and resilience — a boardroom discussion that now extends from chipmakers to device manufacturers, medtech innovators, and beyond.