China has introduced a significant new requirement for its semiconductor industry, mandating that chipmakers use at least 50% domestically made equipment when adding new production capacity. The rule, while not publicly documented, has been communicated to manufacturers seeking state approval for plant construction or expansion in recent months.

Policy Implementation and Requirements

Chipmakers must demonstrate through procurement tenders that at least half their equipment will be Chinese-made to secure government approval. Applications failing to meet this threshold are typically rejected, though authorities provide flexibility depending on supply constraints. The requirements are relaxed for advanced chip production lines where domestically developed equipment is not yet fully available.

Authorities prefer percentages much higher than 50%, with sources indicating the eventual aim is for plants to use 100% domestic equipment. This mandate represents one of the most significant measures Beijing has introduced to reduce dependence on foreign technology, particularly following US export restrictions implemented in 2023.

Strategic Context and Government Support

President Xi Jinping has called for a "whole nation" effort to build a fully self-sufficient domestic semiconductor supply chain, involving thousands of engineers and scientists at companies and research centers nationwide. This comprehensive approach spans the entire supply-chain spectrum, with Chinese scientists working on prototypes of machines capable of producing cutting-edge chips.

To support the local chip supply chain, Beijing has invested hundreds of billions of yuan through the "Big Fund," which established a third phase in 2024 with 344 billion yuan ($49.00 billion) in capital. State-affiliated entities placed a record 421 orders for domestic lithography machines and parts this year, worth around 850 million yuan, signaling surging demand for locally developed technologies.

Market Impact and Industry Transformation

The policy is already yielding significant results in critical manufacturing areas. Before the 2023 US export restrictions, domestic fabrication facilities like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) preferred US equipment and rarely gave Chinese firms opportunities. However, the restrictions forced Chinese fabs to work with domestic suppliers.

Key Performance Indicators

Technological Advancement and Market Share Gains

China's largest chip equipment group, Naura, is testing its etching tools on SMIC's cutting-edge 7nm production line, following successful deployment on 14nm processes. This represents rapid advancement in etching technology, a critical chip manufacturing step involving material removal from silicon wafers to create transistor patterns.

Naura has become a key partner for Chinese memory chipmakers, supplying etching tools for advanced chips with more than 300 layers. The company developed electrostatic chucks to replace worn parts in Lam Research equipment that could no longer be serviced after 2023 restrictions.

Competitive Landscape Shifts

Analysts estimate China has reached approximately 50% self-sufficiency in photoresist-removal and cleaning equipment, a market previously dominated by Japanese firms but now locally led by Naura. Advanced etching tools, once predominantly supplied by foreign firms such as Lam Research and Tokyo Electron, are being partially replaced by Naura and Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment.

The domestic equipment market is expected to be dominated by two to three major manufacturers, with Naura positioned as a definitive leader. This transformation is viewed with concern by global competitors as foreign suppliers face displacement from the Chinese market, while domestic firms rapidly improve their capabilities through accelerated government requirements.

China has announced significant changes to its import tariff structure, implementing provisional rates lower than most-favoured-nation rates on 935 items starting January 1, 2026. The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council made the announcement on Monday, positioning the move as a response to longstanding criticism that China imports far less than it exports, creating substantial trade surpluses.

Policy Objectives and Implementation

The new tariff structure aims to enhance synergy between domestic and international markets while leveraging resources more effectively to expand the supply of high-quality goods. The commission emphasized that these changes support China's broader economic integration goals and address international concerns about trade imbalances.

Targeted Sectors and Products

The tariff reductions will focus on several strategic areas to support China's development priorities. Key components and advanced materials will see reduced tariffs to support high-level technological self-reliance, while certain resources will benefit from lower rates to facilitate green development initiatives.

Medical products represent another priority area, with artificial blood vessels specifically mentioned among items receiving tariff relief to improve public well-being. The policy also includes provisions for optimizing tariff headings and national subheading notes, with new categories for emerging technologies.

Current Trade Performance

China's foreign trade statistics highlight the scale of its international commerce and the context for these tariff changes. According to official statistics from the General Administration of Customs, China's total foreign trade reached ¥41.21 trillion (approximately $5.82 trillion), representing a 3.6% year-on-year increase.

International Trade Agreements

The announcement extends beyond unilateral tariff reductions to encompass China's broader trade relationship framework. China will continue applying agreed tariff rates to imported goods from 34 trading partners under 24 free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements throughout 2026.

Additionally, China will maintain zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for 43 least developed countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. This comprehensive approach demonstrates China's commitment to deepening economic cooperation and promoting regional integration while addressing criticism about its export-focused trade strategy.