THE U.S. Department of Commerce is expected this week to lift export curbs it imposed on Shenzhen-based telecom equipment and smartphone maker ZTE Corp. for alleged Iran sanctions violations.

    “The relief would be temporary in nature and would be maintained only if ZTE is abiding by its commitments to the U.S. Government,” according to a senior official at the agency.

    The Department of Commerce restrictions, imposed earlier this month, made it difficult for ZTE to acquire U.S. components by requiring its suppliers to apply for an export license before shipping any American-made equipment or parts to ZTE.

    The department had said the license applications generally would be denied.

    ZTE has been “in active, constructive discussions” with the U.S. Department of Commerce for the past week, according to a senior official at the agency.

    “As part of the effort to resolve the matter, and based upon binding commitments that ZTE has made to the U.S. Government, [the Department of ] Commerce expects this week to be able to provide temporary relief from some licensing requirements,” the official said.

    The details of the commitments are expected to be published this week in the U.S. Federal Register. (SD-Agencies)