Despite a tough year for global semiconductor supply, China‘s chip imports are showing signs of incremental improvement, according to recent data from the General Administration of Customs. From January to September, China imported 355.9 billion integrated circuits (ICs), which, although down from 416.7 billion during the same period last year, marks a slight uptick in recent months.
China’s overall import value still saw a 7.5% decline in the 9-month period
The total value of these imports fell 19.8% year-on-year to $252.9 billion. However, this is notably better than the 26.7% drop in the first quarter. By comparison, China’s overall import value saw a 7.5% decline in the nine-month period.
This subtle rebound occurs in a tricky global environment. Many Chinese tech companies are grappling with Washington’s export restrictions, which have been strategically deployed to stymie China’s access to high-end AI technology. However, the restrictions have proven to be a double-edged sword. While aiming to curb China’s tech rise, they also affect the U.S. and its allies—major players in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Data also reveals a decline in China’s imports from these U.S. allies—South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. The most significant drop was a 23% plunge in imports from South Korea, followed by Japan and Taiwan with 16.3% and 20%, respectively.
Yet, the improvements in China’s semiconductor imports indicate a degree of resilience. With mounting export restrictions and the world still coming to terms with semiconductor scarcity, China seems to be navigating troubled waters with caution but also agility. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s also a hint at how China could be adapting to a changing tech landscape, even when faced with multifaceted challenges.
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(Via)
