China has reportedly rolled back its 125% retaliatory tariffs on select US-made semiconductors, according to three Shenzhen-based import agencies.
The exemptions, not officially announced, were discovered during routine customs procedures. This move follows an April 12 tariff hike by China in response to US President Donald Trump’s 145% levies on Chinese goods.
Despite efforts to develop domestic chip production, China remains heavily dependent on imports. “It has ambition for that. But basically, it’s going to be a while before it can be fully autonomous,” said Duncan Clark of BDA. Ray Wang noted the decision benefits US chipmakers like Intel and Texas Instruments.
Chen Shaoling, a manager at Zhengnenliang Supply Chain, said tariffs on eight types of integrated circuits were dropped. “We only found out after we filed the declaration,” she explained.
Local officials and the Foreign Ministry said they were unaware of the changes, while CNN awaits a Commerce Ministry response.