US extends ZTE reprieve from sanctions over alleged violations

The US government has extended through to Aug 30 a reprieve of tough export restrictions imposed on the Chinese smartphone maker ZTE in March for allegedly breaking sanctions against Iran, the Commerce Department said on Monday.

The renewed Commerce Department license allows ZTE to continue exporting equipment containing US technology. The agency said in March that its first reprieve could be extended if the company cooperated with the government.

Experts said US export restrictions were some of the toughest ever applied and would have caused disruption across ZTE's sprawling global supply chain.