Huawei Likely to Face Challenges in Using Own Operating System and Chips, Amid US Export Ban

A Huawei logo is displayed at a retail store in Beijing on May 20, 2019. FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images

After the Trump administration blocked U.S. companies from supplying Chinese telecom giant Huawei with technology and supplies, company founder Ren Zhengfei said he was confident the firm could still survive with its own backup solutions.

However, experts are questioning whether Huawei’s self-developed HongMeng operating system and HiSilicon electronic chips can be adopted for production within a short period of time.

Western Suppliers Closing Doors

On May 15, the U.S. Commerce Department added Huawei, China’s largest manufacturer of telecommunication equipment, and its 68 affiliates to its “Entity List,” meaning the company can’t acquire components and technology from U.S. firms unless it receives special U.S. government approval.