East Asia

The Implications of the China-U.S. Tariff Battle
Global markets have been shaken this past week by a tariff tit-for-tat between the U.S. and China, as both countries engage in what has been described by Chinese officials as a “fight to the end.” This tariff war is unique as President Donald Trump reversed the majority of his “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of other countries—keeping a universal 10% on all imports to the U.S.—while elevating those against China due to a perceived “lack of respect” at the country’s decision to retaliate.

Tech War Tensions: China Restricts Graphite Exports
On Friday, Dec. 1, China began new export restrictions on the key rare earth mineral of graphite. The new restrictions will require state approval for high-grade graphite exports to foreign nations.

Chinese Americans Fired in Semiconductor Industry Exodus
On Oct. 13, in response to the new restrictions announced by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on the export to China of advanced semiconductors, chip-making equipment, and supercomputer components, major Chinese technology companies suspended large waves of their American employees.