Overview
- The USTR concluded a year-long Section 301 probe finding China's semiconductor policies unreasonable and actionable under U.S. trade law.
- New duties will target legacy, or mature-node, chips, with the tariff rate to be announced at least 30 days before June 23, 2027.
- Any increase in 2027 will be added to an existing 50% tariff on Chinese semiconductors that took effect in early 2025.
- U.S. officials signaled a calibrated approach that includes delaying certain export rules and reviewing potential Nvidia H200 shipments to China.
- China formally opposed the plan and warned of countermeasures, while a separate Section 232 review of global chip imports remains open but is seen as unlikely to produce sweeping near-term tariffs.