Summary: China’s auto industry association CAAM opened an anti‑discrimination probe into U.S. trade policy’s impact on chips, inviting automakers’ input by Oct 13. The move follows a commerce‑ministry inquiry launched Sept 13 and lands amid reports that Beijing told major tech firms to halt purchases of Nvidia AI chips. Nvidia’s CEO said both governments have “larger agendas to work out.”
Why it matters
The investigations formalize China’s response to U.S. export controls and could set up retaliatory standards in autos and AI. A pause on Nvidia orders would redirect demand and accelerate domestic accelerator efforts—reverberating across global AI build‑outs.
Key facts
- CAAM probe announced Sept 19; submissions due Oct 13.
- Context: Sept 13 commerce‑ministry action on U.S. chips.
- Nvidia angle: FT‑based reports of a purchase halt; CEO commentary via Reuters.
What to watch
Whether Beijing formalizes restrictions; Nvidia’s China‑specific SKUs (H20/RTX6000D) shipment mix; automakers’ filings to CAAM; allied positioning in Madrid talks.