Markets just got another wake-up call: the trade war isn't cooling down—it's morphing into a tech battleground. While U.S. officials try to fast-track deals with allies, tensions with China and Japan are rising. President Trump paused some tariffs for 90 days, but Japan's finance chief isn't convinced, warning that volatility could derail global recovery. Meanwhile, China wants more than just a handshake. Beijing's message? Respect and predictability—or no deal. All this unfolded as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talked up progress—just not with China.
Nvidia (NVDA, Financial) became the latest casualty after reporting a $5.5 billion hit tied to new U.S. export restrictions. CEO Jensen Huang flew into Beijing, trying to keep doors open in a country that's both a critical market and now a growing risk. “We aim to keep cooperating with China,” he said. But investors aren't buying the optimism. AMD (AMD, Financial) followed up, forecasting up to $800 million in related charges. And ASML (ASML, Financial)? Orders fell short, and the company flat-out admitted it can't yet quantify the damage from tariffs. When three of the world's most important chipmakers raise red flags in the same week, it's no longer just noise—it's a flashing red signal.
The numbers tell the story: U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports now reach as high as 245%, while China's retaliatory duties have surged to 125%. The Trump administration isn't stopping there—investigations into new chip and pharma tariffs are already underway. Some consumer tech got a temporary pass, and auto tariffs might get delayed—but the direction is clear. Investors looking for clarity won't find it in trade headlines. What they will find is a market recalibrating in real time, as semiconductors become ground zero in a policy war with no clean end in sight.
