Which countries would be added to the US outbound investment restrictions under the Treasury proposal?

The proposal would add North Korea, Russia, Iran and Cuba to the countries covered by the Outbound Investment Security Program. China, including Hong Kong and Macau, is already covered.

What kinds of investments and technology sectors would the proposed US restrictions cover?

Certain investments by U.S. persons involving covered foreign entities in specified sensitive technologies would be prohibited, while other transactions would require notification. The sectors include semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing.

What is the timeline for comments and final rules on the Treasury proposal?

The proposal is subject to public comments through Dec. 7. The Treasury Department expects to issue final implementing rules at a later date.

US Treasury proposes expanding tech investment restrictions to N. Korea

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Summary

The U.S. Treasury Department proposed expanding restrictions on American investments in sensitive technologies to North Korea, Russia, Iran and Cuba, in Washington. The proposal would extend the Outbound Investment Security Program, which currently covers China, including Hong Kong and Macau. It would prohibit some investments involving covered foreign entities and require notification for others. Public comments are open through Dec. 7, after which Treasury expects to issue final rules.

Key Facts

The proposal would implement the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act, enacted in December last year as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
Covered technology sectors include semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the proposed rules aim to prevent adversaries from using U.S. investment to develop critical technologies that threaten U.S. national security.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 24, 2026 1:28 am KST

The seal of the Treasury Department is seen before a news conference, Aug. 24, at the Treasury Department in Washington. AP-Yonhap

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Treasury Department has proposed expanding restrictions on American investments in sensitive technologies to include North Korea and several other countries, as Washington seeks to prevent adversaries from using U.S. capital to develop advanced military capabilities.

The proposed regulations, detailed in a notice scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, would expand the existing Outbound Investment Security Program, which currently covers China, including Hong Kong and Macau, to include North Korea, Russia, Iran and Cuba, according to the Treasury Department.

The proposal seeks to implement the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act, enacted in December last year as part of the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

Under the proposal, certain investments by U.S. persons involving covered foreign entities engaged in specified sensitive technologies would be prohibited, while other transactions would be subject to notification requirements.

The regulations would cover specified activities in key technology sectors, including semiconductors, microelectronics, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum information technologies, high-performance computing and supercomputing.

"The proposed regulations would strengthen the existing Outbound Investment Security Program to prevent our adversaries from using U.S. investment to develop critical technologies that threaten U.S. national security," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

The proposed regulations are subject to public comments through Dec. 7, with the department expected to issue final implementing rules at a later date.

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