As U.S.-China trade tensions rise, third countries may find themselves caught in the middle. China has warned against any third-country partnership with the U.S. that targets Chinese interests, while it also seeks enhanced cooperation and integration with other trading partners.

Two major U.S. chipmakers recently made investment filings indicating that U.S. government export controls on their chips are intensifying, with additional chips facing restrictions.

This past week, CTM covered the following issues: In China: * Trade data update * Limits on movie imports from U.S. * New trade negotiator appointment  * Microsoft scales back business In the U.S.: * Remedy in Section 301 investigation on shipbuilding * Update on reciprocal tariffs * New Section 232 investigations * New bill on

Yesterday, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) announced a remedy related to shipping fees in the Section 301 investigation on China's practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, with an additional component for tariffs on ship-to-shore cranes still to be decided.

Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Malaysia with agreements deepening economic, technological, and strategic ties between the two countries, reinforcing China’s position as Malaysia’s top trading partner and a leading source of foreign investment.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced that it would be conducting a national security investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 related to imports of critical minerals and their derivative products.

China has appointed Li Chenggang as its new lead trade negotiator, a move signaling a tactical recalibration not only in the context of deepening trade conflict with the United States, but also in light of emerging opportunities with other trading partners.