Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China, particularly focusing on Trump's announcement of a 100% additional tariff on Chinese goods and the implementation of export controls on "critical software" [1][3]. Group 1: Tariffs and Trade Policies - Trump announced that starting November 1, a 100% additional tariff will be imposed on Chinese goods, raising the average tariff on Chinese imports to over 150% from the current 57% [1]. - This tariff increase is a response to China's recent export controls on rare earth elements, which require foreign companies to obtain special approval for exporting these materials [1][2]. Group 2: Rare Earth Elements - Rare earth elements are crucial for various high-tech industries, including renewable energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing, with China controlling approximately 60% of global rare earth mining and over 85% of processing [2]. - The tightening of China's rare earth policies aims to create a "technology sovereignty" framework, enhancing its competitive position by controlling high-value rare earth products [2]. Group 3: Software Export Controls - In addition to tariffs, Trump announced restrictions on the export of critical software, where the U.S. currently leads with $649 billion in software exports, accounting for 15.3% of the global market [3]. - The restrictions may target Chinese universities and research institutions, limiting their access to essential AI algorithms and industrial control systems, which are foundational for China's smart manufacturing and semiconductor design [3][5]. Group 4: Long-term Implications - The article suggests that these actions are not merely short-term conflicts but signal the beginning of a global industrial restructuring, where control over core resources and high-end manufacturing will dictate power dynamics [5]. - China's advancements in domestic software alternatives indicate a shift towards a "de-Americanized" technology ecosystem, potentially mitigating the impact of U.S. restrictions in the long run [4][5].

Group 1: Wolfspeed's Decline - Wolfspeed's bankruptcy reflects a failure of the U.S. semiconductor industry strategy, primarily due to stagnation in technology iteration and uncontrolled costs, relying on outdated 6-inch wafer technology while competitors in China have achieved breakthroughs with 8-inch substrates [3][4] - The company's supply chain vulnerabilities were exposed, heavily relying on Chinese suppliers for critical raw materials, and facing increased production costs due to tariffs [4] - Financially, Wolfspeed faced a net loss of $600 million in 2024 and over $5 billion in debt, leading to factory closures and significant layoffs [5] Group 2: Rise of Chinese SiC Industry - Chinese SiC power semiconductor companies have adopted a "hard fortification" strategy, focusing on technological independence and reliability validation, achieving significant improvements in manufacturing processes [10] - The vertical integration of domestic companies has created a closed-loop capability covering the entire supply chain from chip design to module packaging, with significant market penetration in the automotive sector [11] - The application ecosystem has evolved, with Chinese companies enhancing system efficiency and performance, facilitating penetration into renewable energy and storage markets [12] Group 3: Global Industry Restructuring - Chinese breakthroughs in SiC technology are reshaping global competition, with a 35% share of SiC patent applications by Q1 2025, laying the groundwork for international standardization [18] - The restructuring of supply chains includes acquisitions of European packaging plants and the establishment of manufacturing centers in Southeast Asia, creating a localized and globalized network [19] - Cost advantages are significant, with Chinese 6-inch substrate prices 50%-70% lower than international levels, leading to a drastic reduction in U.S. market share from 65% in 2022 to 18% by 2025 [20] Group 4: Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite notable achievements, the Chinese SiC industry faces challenges, including reliance on imports for high-voltage markets above 3300V and potential supply chain risks due to dependence on imported equipment [28] - International competition is intensifying, with Europe and Japan seeking to circumvent Chinese dominance in SiC technology [29] - The transition from Wolfspeed's decline to the rise of Chinese companies illustrates a shift in semiconductor industry power dynamics, emphasizing the importance of technological independence and market depth [29]