ZTE announced that it "is making active communications with relevant parties and seeking a solution" to the US government's ban on exports to the Chinese company. The announcement follows reports that the US Department of Commerce will hear additional evidence from the company over the case.
The seven-year ban was imposed for ZTE's alleged failure to live up to promised measures penalising staff involved in sales to Iran, in violation of US sanctions against the country. While no appeal is allowed under the Commerce department procedure, a senior official at the agency told the Wall Street Journal that that the department had granted ZTE’s request to present more information. The official said the agency had agreed to receive the evidence through informal procedures in the near future.
However, "we do not believe a stay" of the sanctions is appropriate, the official said.
It was unclear what additional evidence ZTE would present. The company has yet to comment on the expected impact of the ban on its business.
