Tag Archives: Department of Commerce

TELECOMS: ZTE Hit By US Probe Into Iran Sanctions Violations

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Bottom line: ZTE will face major supply chain disruptions following new punitive US actions for violating UN sanctions against Iran, forcing it to lower its 2016 sales targets by up to 10-15 percent.

ZTE braces for US sanctions
ZTE braces for US sanctions

Officials at telecoms equipment and smartphone maker ZTE (HKEx: 763; Shenzhen: 000063) got a rough start to the new week, after media reported the company was set to get punished by Washington for selling products to Iran in violation of earlier UN sanctions. The news quickly buzzed through the headlines, and prompted ZTE to request a halt to trading of its Hong Kong-listed shares. (HKEx announcement)

This particular case actually dates back to 2012, when reports emerged that the FBI was investigating ZTE for illegally selling US computer equipment to Iran at the height of tensions with the west related to its nuclear development program. (previous post) Crosstown rival Huawei also faced similar accusations at that time. Read Full Post…

US-China Solar Wars Enter Second Round

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US opens new probe into Chinese solar panels

Just days after China finalized anti-dumping tariffs on US makers of polysilicon, the main ingredient used to make solar panels, the US has announced it is opening a new anti-dumping investigation into solar panels imported from China. The close timing of this latest round of developments in a solar trade dispute between the US and China may look worrisome on the surface, especially if they had come a year ago. But in this case the solar signals seem less confrontational to me, as both Washington and Beijing finally realize the sector is too important for the world’s energy security to jeopardize with more trade wars. Read Full Post…