China Targets US Semiconductor Sector with Anti-Dumping Probes

Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and semiconductor innovation, founded in 1985. The company revolutionized digital communication with its pioneering development of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which became foundational for 3G mobile networks worldwide[1][2]. Qualcomm’s breakthrough came from its founders' bold vision to harness CDMA, enabling more efficient and reliable wireless communication. This innovation launched a licensing business that remains a major revenue source, as Qualcomm holds an extensive patent portfolio licensed to over 190 companies globally[2]. As the largest fabless semiconductor company by chip orders, Qualcomm designs advanced chipsets powering most smartphones, enabling high-performance, low-power computing and seamless connectivity across devices[1][3]. Its product portfolio extends beyond mobile phones into the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), transforming industries with intelligent computing solutions[3][4]. Qualcomm’s business units focus on mobile communications, IoT, automotive, and licensing, reflecting its diversified approach to technology innovation[4]. Throughout its history, Qualcomm has invested over $16 billion in research and development, supporting more than 680 commercial 3G operators worldwide and contributing to over 1.15 billion 3G CDMA subscribers globally[2]. The company’s technologies underpin the global wireless ecosystem, facilitating machine-to-machine communication and advancing the vision of the Internet of Everything—where devices interact intelligently to improve efficiency in sectors like energy, water, and healthcare[2]. With over 139 locations worldwide, Qualcomm remains at the forefront of wireless innovation, continually expanding its technological reach and shaping the future of connected experiences[2][5]. Its sustained impact on mobile communication and semiconductor industries marks it as a cornerstone of modern digital infrastructure.

Intel Corporation is a leading American multinational technology company specializing in the design and manufacture of advanced semiconductors that power computing devices globally. Founded in 1968, Intel pioneered the development of microprocessors, becoming the dominant supplier of x86-based processors for PCs, servers, and other computing platforms. The company is known for its continuous innovation in semiconductor technology and its role in shaping the modern computing landscape. Intel's recent technological advancements include the launch of the Intel® Core™ Ultra series 3 processors (code-named Panther Lake) and Intel® Xeon® 6+ processors (Clearwater Forest), both built on the cutting-edge Intel 18A semiconductor node—currently the most advanced manufacturing node in the United States. These products are manufactured at Intel’s state-of-the-art Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona, showcasing Intel's commitment to domestic production and technological leadership[1]. In the face of intense competition from rivals such as AMD and the architectural shifts exemplified by Apple’s move to its own silicon, Intel has been undergoing significant restructuring. This includes workforce reductions by approximately 15%, aiming to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and focus on core growth areas like AI and data centers. Financially, Intel reported solid demand and revenue resilience, with Q2 2025 revenue reaching $12.9 billion, exceeding guidance despite challenges from one-time costs and impairments[3][5]. The company is also enhancing its foundry business and AI roadmap to strengthen its competitive position and long-term shareholder value[3]. Intel’s strategic partnerships, including a $5 billion investment by Nvidia to jointly develop CPUs, and talks of adding AMD as a foundry customer, highlight its adaptive approach to industry dynamics[6]. Despite recent challenges and market shifts, Intel remains a crucial player in the semiconductor industry, advancing AI-enabled platforms and maintaining a significant impact on the global technology ecosystem[1][6].

China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), established in 2003, is a cabinet-level executive agency under the State Council responsible for formulating and implementing policies governing domestic and foreign trade, investment, and international economic cooperation[1][3][5]. It originated from a merger of the former Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation and parts of the State Planning and Economic Trade Commissions, ending over five decades of separation between domestic and foreign trade governance[3][7]. MOFCOM’s core functions include policy formulation for trade and consumer protection, regulation of market competition, negotiation of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements, and promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI)[1][5]. It oversees import and export controls, including licensing and sanctions, and works to streamline customs processes to facilitate smooth trade operations[1][4][6]. Additionally, MOFCOM manages China’s trade relations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other countries, playing a crucial role in international trade diplomacy[3]. The ministry also regulates sector-specific trade activities such as technology transfers, export controls on dual-use goods, and supports Chinese enterprises expanding overseas[2][6]. It supervises commercial offices abroad, manages foreign business representations in China, and coordinates foreign government loans and investments[2]. MOFCOM's regulatory role extends to maintaining fair competition practices, preventing monopolies, and ensuring consumer rights protection within China’s vast market[1][5]. Under the leadership of Minister Wang Wentao, MOFCOM continues to adapt to China’s evolving economic landscape by emphasizing trade facilitation, industrial security, and technological innovation in trade policies[3][4][6]. Its influence is notable in strategic sectors like food safety, where MOFCOM ensures compliance with rigorous quality standards impacting both domestic supply chains and international exports[1]. As China deepens its integration into the global economy, MOFCOM remains a central institution shaping the country’s trade environment and global commercial engagement[5][8].