Thousands of license applications by U.S. companies to export goods and technology around the globe, including to China, are in limbo because turmoil at the agency in charge of approving them has left it nearly paralyzed, two sources said.

Frustration is growing within U.S. industry.

“We’re seeing whole sectors where there is no movement or indication if or when licenses will be issued," including license applications for semiconductor manufacturing equipment worth billions of dollars, said Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council.

While the clock is ticking on license applications, “Chinese companies are exploring and doing deals with suppliers in China and other countries,” he said. “The longer we have the delay, the more market share we’re going to lose."