Citing several people familiar with the matter, Reuters reported that US President Joe Biden’s administration is considering plans next month to broaden curbs on US shipments to China of semiconductors and chipmaking tools.

Additional takeaways

“The Commerce Department intends to publish new regulations based on restrictions communicated in letters earlier this year to three US companies -- KLA Corp, Lam Research Corp and Applied Materials Inc.”

“The regulations would likely include additional actions against China. The restrictions could also be changed and the rules published later than expected.”

A senior Commerce official said: "As a general rule, we look to codify any restrictions that are in is-informed letters with a regulatory change."

Also read: US President Biden delays a decision on Trump's tariffs on China

Market reaction

AUD/USD is bearing the brunt of the renewed US-China tensions and covid resurgence in Beijing, shedding 0.18% on the day to trade at 0.6826, as of writing.