Key Takeaways
- China has sent detailed questionnaires to major US chip companies demanding sensitive business information
- The probe targets analog chips used in smartphones, EVs, and medical devices
- Companies have 37 days to respond with customer names, sales data, and cost details
- This escalation comes amid growing trade restrictions from both nations
China has escalated the US-China tech war by sending detailed questionnaires to America’s largest semiconductor companies, demanding sensitive business information about their operations in the Chinese market. The investigation targets analog chips manufactured by companies like Texas Instruments and Analog Devices.
What Information China is Seeking
China’s Trade Remedy and Investigation Bureau is requesting comprehensive data including:
- Sales activities and market share in China
- Cost and profit comparisons between domestic and Chinese markets
- Names of Chinese customers and transaction details
- Sales volumes and operational costs from logistics to warehousing
- Information about raw material suppliers
US companies have been given 37 days to submit their responses, though the specific companies targeted remain unclear.
Analog Chips Under Scrutiny
The investigation focuses on analog IC chips that help digital systems interface with the real world. These components handle critical functions like wireless signal amplification and power regulation. While not requiring cutting-edge manufacturing, they’re essential components in smartphones, electric vehicles, and medical imaging equipment.
Broader Trade War Escalation
This probe represents the latest escalation in the ongoing tech conflict between the world’s two largest economies. China has recently:
- Added companies to its entity list restricting transactions
- Launched antitrust probes against Qualcomm and Nvidia
- Implemented export controls on critical minerals
Meanwhile, the US is considering expanding its entity list to over 10,000 Chinese companies and implementing broader export restrictions. Companies from both nations face increasing pressure as trade tensions continue to mount.
