ABSTRACT This study assesses the impact of intensifying U.S.–China geopolitical tensions on the global semiconductor supply chain. To this end, the study employs the Trade Specialization Index (TSI) and the Revealed Symmetric Comparative Advantage (RSCA) index to evaluate trade‐based competitiveness and market positioning across major semiconductor segments, including memory chips, system semiconductors, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The findings suggest that U.S. sanctions have fragmented the supply chain by restricting Chinaʼs access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies. While China has increased its presence in lower‐end production, it remains heavily dependent on imports for high‐end technologies, hindering its self‐reliance in advanced manufacturing. The study also highlights the shift of semiconductor production to Southeast Asia, reshaping the global landscape. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening supply chain resilience, fostering diversification, and enhancing multilateral cooperation to mitigate the risks posed by geopolitical fragmentation.
Hyung‐Gon Jeong (Sat,) studied this question.