The move underscores the geopolitical weight of Taiwan's chip sector, which dominates global supply of advanced semiconductors through advanced chip foundry TSMC.
According to Bloomberg, Taiwan's trade regulator now requires pre-approval for most chip exports to South Africa. Taipei's decision followed pressure from Pretoria to downgrade Taiwan's diplomatic presence, including moving its representative office from Pretoria to Johannesburg.
Taiwan's foreign ministry said the request intensified after South Africa hosted the Brics summit in 2023 and is again pressing the matter ahead of November's G20 meeting, which Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend.