Trump voices opposition to proposed export controls

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday voiced his opposition to proposed export-restricting measures, saying that such measures would cause US companies to lose orders to other places.

"The United States cannot, & will not, become such a difficult place to deal with in terms of foreign countries buying our product, including for the always used National Security excuse, that our companies will be forced to leave in order to remain competitive," Trump said in a series of tweets.

The US president's tweets came just two days after the Wall Street Journal reported that officials within the administration were considering new restrictions on exports of jet engines co-produced by General Electric Co. to China.

"We want to sell product and goods to China and other countries. That's what trade is all about," Trump said. "We don't want to make it impossible to do business with us. That will only mean that orders will go to someplace else."

"As an example, I want China to buy our jet engines, the best in the World," he said.

"I have seen some of the regulations being circulated, including those being contemplated by Congress, and they are ridiculous," Trump said. "I want to make it EASY to do business with the United States, not difficult."

Trump's comment on export controls was welcomed by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

"We applaud President Trump's tweets supporting US companies being able to sell products to China and opposing proposed regulations that would unduly curtail that ability," SIA President & CEO John Neuffer said in a statement.

"As we have discussed with the Administration, sales of non-sensitive, commercial products to China drive semiconductor research and innovation, which is critical to America's economic strength and national security," said Neuffer.