Beijing: Beijing has launched two trade investigations targeting U.S. semiconductor products, just days before high-level trade discussions with Washington in Madrid. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-discrimination probe into U.S. trade measures that Beijing says unfairly restrict Chinese firms, alongside an anti-dumping investigation into specific U.S. analog integrated circuit chips.

The anti-dumping case focuses on commodity interface IC chips and gate driver IC chips built with 40-nanometer or larger process technologies. Chinese industry groups claim that imports of these U.S. chips surged by more than one-third between 2022 and 2024 while prices dropped by over half, harming domestic producers. The investigation is expected to conclude by September 2026, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

The timing of the probes is seen as strategic, coming just before scheduled U.S.–China trade talks in Madrid from September 14 to 17, where disputes over tariffs, export controls, and technology access are expected to dominate. Washington has recently expanded restrictions on Chinese firms, including adding dozens of companies to a trade blacklist and tightening rules on chipmaking equipment exports.

The outcome of the investigations could have significant implications for both American chipmakers and China’s domestic semiconductor industry.

Analysts say that any retaliatory tariffs or restrictions could disrupt global supply chains, particularly in industries dependent on analog chips such as consumer electronics and automotive manufacturing.

The United States has defended its export control measures as necessary for national security, while Beijing has accused Washington of attempting to stifle its technological development.

The Madrid talks will provide the first opportunity since these announcements for both sides to address the growing tensions.