China auto industry body to launch discrimination probe into US chips

In a significant move, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) announced on Friday the initiation of an anti-discrimination investigation into the effects of U.S. trade policies on the automotive sector, particularly concerning semiconductor chips. The probe, which calls for automakers to submit their inputs by October 13, follows a similar investigation launched by China’s commerce ministry on September 13 into alleged discrimination and dumping practices by U.S. chip manufacturers. This development comes just ahead of a new round of U.S.-China trade talks scheduled in Spain, highlighting the escalating tensions between the two economic powerhouses. The automotive industry, heavily reliant on semiconductor chips, faces potential disruptions as trade policies continue to evolve. The outcome of these investigations could have far-reaching implications for global supply chains and international trade relations.