Semiconductors play a vital role in the global economy and impact trade flows, with China spending as much on importing chips as on importing oil.
Geopolitical tensions are causing shifts in the chip industry and supply chain, with governments investing heavily and Taiwan's role being significant.
Deep dives
The Importance of Semiconductors in the Global Economy
Semiconductors are essential to the structure of the global economy and play a vital role in various industries. Almost all types of manufactured goods, except the simplest ones, include semiconductors. Additionally, semiconductors have a significant impact on trade flows, with China spending as much on importing chips as on importing oil. The increasing reliance on semiconductors by defense ministries and intelligence agencies further highlights their importance in shaping the balance of geopolitical power.
Challenges and Options for China in the Chip Industry
China faces challenges in becoming self-reliant in the chip industry. Despite significant investment and progress in some areas, China remains critically dependent on imported chips, software, and materials. Various regulations from the US, Japan, and Europe are cutting off key components that China relies on. These challenges, combined with China's domestic market potential, make it difficult for China to attain chip independence.
The Future of Chip Production and Geopolitics
Geopolitical tensions are leading to shifts in the chip industry and electronic supply chain. Governments worldwide are investing heavily in their chip industries, causing changes in investment patterns and assembly locations. The geopolitical tension surrounding Taiwan, a major chip supplier, is playing a significant role in these shifts. The industry is still catching up to the extent to which politics is outpacing expectations, making it hard to predict the future balance of power. Competition in the chip industry is not limited to countries but also includes different companies and business models.
This episode, we get an insider's look at the ongoing chip war from the person who wrote the book on it, Chris Miller, professor at Tufts University and the author of Chip War. Join us for a live conversation from the MIT Media Lab at Tech Review’s Future Compute conference.
Credits:
This episode was recorded and produced by Jennifer Strong with help from Emma Cillekens and Anthony Green. We’re edited by Mat Honan and mixed by Garret Lang, with original music from Garret Lang and Jacob Gorski. Artwork from Stephanie Arnett.
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