China has canceled tariffs on American semiconductors, trying to support its technology industry

China has abandoned 125% tariffs on certain types of American semiconductors without official announcements, seeking to reduce the negative impact of the trade war with the United States on its own technology industry. This decision concerns, in particular, integrated circuits, or microchips, which are the main elements of most modern electronic devices.

CNN reports on this step by Beijing, citing official and analytical sources. Recall that on April 12, 2025, China announced an increase in tariffs on American goods to 125%, responding to the actions of US President Donald Trump, who set a record 145% tariff on Chinese imports.

For several months, the Chinese authorities have demonstrated firmness in opposing trade escalation, but the gradual abandonment of tariffs on certain critical goods indicates a different reality. As the publication notes, China is forced to reduce restrictions on those goods that it cannot currently produce independently or obtain from alternative sources.

According to customs data, last year alone, China imported US semiconductors worth US$11.7 billion. This indicates a significant dependence of the Chinese economy on American technology, despite state programs to develop its own production.

Semiconductors are the basis of modern electronics and are characterized by extreme complexity of production. The development and production of microchips requires large investments, highly qualified personnel and advanced technologies, which limits the number of companies capable of providing a full production cycle.

Despite some successes in the development of the domestic industry, China is still significantly dependent on imports of chips and production equipment from the US, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the Netherlands. In the context of global competition for technological superiority, Beijing's further steps regarding access to strategic resources are of particular importance.