The Biden administration has simply introduced a commerce investigation into “legacy” Chinese language-made semiconductors in the present day. And that would see it result in extra tariffs on chips from China which are used for autos, washing machines and telecoms gear amongst different issues. This “Part 301” probe is coming simply lower than a month earlier than Trump takes workplace on 20 January 2025. The officers say that the investigation will then be handed over to Trump’s authorities for completion.
If something, it simply creates one other avenue for Trump to impose hefty tariffs on China amid threats of a 60% tariff slap.
As for Biden, this builds on his escalation on this area over the previous few months:
The USTR says that the most recent probe will goal mature-technology chips that energy autos, home equipment, medical gadgets, and different items. The probe is supposedly primarily based on proof that “China is utilizing anti-competitive, non-market insurance policies to dominate world chip manufacturing”.
As soon as Trump takes workplace, the investigation will probably be handed over to his administration accordingly subsequent month. The USTR will probably be accepting public feedback on the probe as of 6 January earlier than plans for a public listening to on 11-12 March subsequent 12 months.
