Semiconductors, sanctions, and supply chain resiliency

Technology ecosystems, particularly for critical inputs like semiconductors are increasingly caught in geopolitical tensions. The strategy and policy framework for US-China technology decoupling is examined by Jon Bateman of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The Economist explains if the US planning to cut China’s access to key chip-making tools. Meanwhile, the Wire China explores Intel’s shifting role in chip fabrication.

As economies around the world scrutinize their critical supply chains, Michael Gasiorek of the UK Trade Policy Observatory cautions against using “resiliency” to justify protectionist measures. Lastly, the Wire China walks us through the US sanctions regime as sanctions take center stage as a tool for decoupling in trade and technology.

Mentioned Publications

U.S.-China Technological “Decoupling”: A Strategy and Policy Framework – Jon Bateman, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, 25 April 2022
As the US and China decouple their technology ecosystems, what policies and practices should the US government adopt to best guide or encourage the process?
America has a plan to throttle Chinese chipmakers - The Economist, 30 April 2022
The US is trying to maintain market share for its semiconductor toolmakers in the world’s largest market and slow China’s advance in producing high-tech chips.
The Chip Champion? - Katrina Northrop, The Wire China, 24 April 2022
How does Intel’s corporate journey reflect the state of global semiconductor trade? Why is high-tech chip fabrication concentrated in Asia?
Supply Chain Resilience: The Dangers of ‘Pick n Mix’ - Michael Gasiorek, UK Trade Policy Observatory, April 2022
In pursuing supply chain resilience, are economies using trade tools to address a genuine concern, or might they be invoking resilience as a cover for protectionism?
Making Sense of Sanctions – Eliot Chen, The Wire China, 24 April 2022
Using US sanctions on China as an example, the article lays out the US sanctions regime, including the key agencies that administer sanctions and a primer on how sanctions work in practice.