Beijing reportedly tells firms to stop using VMware cybersecurity software; Broadcom falls

Reuters reported on January 14, 2026, citing anonymous sources, that Chinese authorities told domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software from about a dozen US and Israeli vendors, including VMware. Broadcom shares were down more than 1% premarket in Reuters coverage, and other reports put the day's decline at roughly 4% to 5%. The directive is unconfirmed by Beijing and the scale of the revenue impact is not disclosed, so the risk for a trader is China exposure in the VMware business.

• Reported by Reuters on January 14, 2026, citing anonymous sources
• Named vendors include VMware (Broadcom), Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet and Check Point
• Stated concern: data could be sent abroad
• Broadcom down more than 1% premarket in Reuters coverage; about 4% to 5% decline reported for the day