Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association filed comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative as part of its Section 301 investigation into China’s acts, policies, and practices targeting the legacy semiconductor industry.
CCIA’s comments support the U.S. government’s broader efforts to identify and address unreasonable and discriminatory practices targeting the semiconductor industry that result in significant market distortions. CCIA also cautions against the approach taken in this investigation. Analyzing the evolution of the legacy chip market, the effects of policy interventions, and possible countermeasures in one of the world’s most complex industries is no small task; and it requires more time, expertise, and policy tools than this investigation may have at its disposal.
The following can be attributed to CCIA Vice President for Digital Trade Jonathan McHale:
“This investigation, rushed through in the final weeks of the previous Administration, suffers from a poorly defined scope and a timetable that cannot do justice to analyzing such a complex market. Moreover, it is not clear that remedies available under Section 301 would be effective in addressing purported harms. U.S. economic and national security interests in the semiconductor sector are better served through alternative policy tools.“
