Retaliatory action?
China recently announced the opening of an investigation into Nvidia, the US semiconductor giant, for suspected violations of antitrust laws. This move is widely interpreted as a reaction to the increasing restrictions imposed by Washington on the Chinese chip sector. The Chinese authorities, through the State Administration for Market Regulation, have not provided specific details regarding the alleged infractions, but have emphasized that Nvidia may have violated its commitments made during the acquisition of Mellanox
Technologies in 2020.
Implications for the semiconductor market
Nvidia shares fell 2.5% after the survey was announced, highlighting the immediate impact that geopolitical tensions can have on technology companies. However, industry experts believe that the investigation may not have significant consequences in the short term, as many of Nvidia’s most advanced chips are already subject to sales restrictions in China. This scenario suggests that, although the investigation may raise concerns, the real effect on Nvidia’s operations may be limited.
Tensions between the United States and China
This investigation comes at a critical time, as the United States recently implemented its third round of restrictions in three years on the Chinese semiconductor industry. The new measures have affected 140 companies, including chip equipment manufacturers, further increasing tensions between the two powers. In response, China banned the export of critical minerals such as gallium, germanium and antimony to the United States, marking a further tightening of trade relations. These developments pose questions about the future of technological cooperation between the two countries and the strategies that companies like Nvidia will have to adopt to navigate this complex environment
.