Against the backdrop of increasingly fierce global technological competition, semiconductors have long since become more than just an industrial issue; they have become a key bargaining chip influencing geopolitics and national security. The power struggle between the US and China over the chip industry is gradually extending from the technological and market levels to institutional tariffs and supply chain restructuring. Recent policy signals from the US government regarding Chinese semiconductor imports further highlight the complexity and uncertainty of this long-term competition.
Table of Contents
Tariffs were imminent, but the decision was made to postpone their implementation.
The U.S. government recently announced it will impose tariffs on Chinese semiconductor products, arguing that Beijing’s long-standing and “unreasonable” pursuit of dominance in the chip industry has placed a substantial burden on the U.S. business environment. However, the measure has not been implemented immediately, but is planned to be postponed until June 2027, with a commitment to announce the specific tariff rates at least 30 days in advance.
This arrangement demonstrates that the policy was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather based on a year-long investigation into unfair trade practices. This investigation focused on mature process chips exported from China to the US—older models of semiconductors widely used in various consumer and industrial equipment. Delaying the implementation of tariffs preserves policy tools while also leaving room for subsequent negotiations and adjustments.
Accusations of “unreasonable dominance” and Beijing’s strong backlash
In its official statement, the U.S. asserted that China’s policies aimed at achieving dominance in the semiconductor industry put pressure on American businesses, workers, and the overall economy, thus justifying its trade actions. This argument reflects the bipartisan concerns expressed in recent years regarding China’s industrial policies.
In response to potential tariffs, Beijing has clearly expressed its opposition, arguing that politicizing and instrumentalizing trade and technology issues will undermine the stability of global industries and supply chains, ultimately harming all participants. China also emphasized that it will take necessary actions to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, demonstrating the high sensitivity of this issue and the potential for escalation of friction with the slightest misstep.
Rare earths, semiconductors, and trade-offs at the negotiating table
It is worth noting that while retaining the ability to impose additional tariffs, the United States is also attempting to prevent the conflict from escalating on other key issues. The global technology industry is highly dependent on rare earth metals, and China holds a clear dominant position in the supply of these resources. Given China’s export controls on rare earths, the US’s decision to postpone some of its hardline measures has been interpreted by outsiders as an attempt to ease bilateral tensions.
As part of the negotiations, the United States also postponed the implementation of export restrictions on certain technology products and launched a new review mechanism to assess whether to allow the export of specific high-end chips. These actions have sparked differing opinions within the United States, with some hoping to maintain technological superiority while others worrying that the products could be used for military purposes, highlighting the policy dilemma.
A wider investigation is still in the works.
In addition to its investigation into chips manufactured using mature processes, the U.S. government is also conducting a larger-scale review based on national security regulations to assess whether to impose further tariffs on global chip imports. This could not only affect China’s semiconductor industry but also various electronic devices containing Chinese chips, having a profound impact on the global supply chain.
However, officials have privately revealed that such tariffs may not be implemented quickly in the short term. This slowdown in policy pace reflects the government’s ongoing balancing act between protecting domestic industries, maintaining alliances, and avoiding a full-blown trade conflict.
The temporary halt to further tightening measures does not signify a policy shift.
Although the U.S. government believes that taking action against China’s semiconductor industry is justified, it has decided not to impose additional tariffs on Chinese chips for at least the next 18 months. According to relevant documents, the initial tariff will remain at 0%, with plans to increase it starting in June 2027, the actual increase of which is yet to be determined.
This decision is closely related to the “truce” reached between the US and China after a fierce tariff confrontation. Previous tariff increases had triggered retaliatory measures from China, such as cutting off exports of key minerals and adjusting agricultural product purchases. Both sides ultimately made concessions, demonstrating that a full-scale confrontation would have been too costly.
Structural Anxiety Behind Mature Process Chips
The core of this trade investigation is not the most advanced chip technology, but rather the seemingly “less cutting-edge” mature process semiconductors. These chips are widely used in smartphones, automobiles, home appliances, communication equipment, and even military systems, and are indispensable basic components of modern society.
In recent years, China has invested heavily in mature manufacturing processes, putting some U.S. domestic production capacity under pressure. As dependence on imports deepens, concerns about potential national security risks have also risen between the two major U.S. political parties, becoming a significant backdrop for policy intervention.
Conclusion
Overall, the US government’s approach to the semiconductor issue exhibits a strategy of “reserving tools and delaying action.” On the one hand, it continues to promote measures that could strengthen domestic industrial capabilities; on the other hand, it deliberately avoids making its actions appear too directly targeted at China in order to reduce diplomatic and economic backlash.
分析人士指出，北京對任何涉及自身或相關產業的行動都極為敏感，但若措施被包裝為全球性或結構性調整，而非單一國家制裁，衝擊程度可能相對可控。在這樣的微妙平衡下，半導體關稅政策仍將是美中關係中，一個持續發酵、難以迴避的核心議題。
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