FRANKFURTMUNICH, Oct 26 Reuters German technology groups have warned they are being hit by delays in getting Chinabound exports through customs, following the introduction of a German government strategy to reduce economic dependence on demand from China.

German chipmaking kit supplier Suess MicroTec late on Wednesday cut its sales forecasts for the second time in three months, blaming tightened controls for exports to China.

That sent shares in the maker of lithography equipment and other chipmaking gear tumbling 11 immediately after the statement and another 12 on Thursday.

Suess said deliveries worth 23.5 million euros 25 million were stuck at customs. Though trade rules had not changed, customs have significantly stepped up their inspections since August, it added.

German customs and the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control BAFA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In July, the German government urged domestic firms to reduce their dependence on demand from China as part of a strategy of derisking its economic relationship with the country.

Lobby group AsiaPacific Committee of German Business APA told Reuters the BAFA office was appearing to scrutinise export requests more closely or escalate requests to the economy ministry more often.

PROCESSING DELAYS

Manufacturers from all relevant industries have complained for several months of delays in the processing of export requests, said APA Managing Director Friedolin Strack,…