WSC Calls for Elimination of Chip Tariffs, Encourages Chinese Participation

Staff Reporter -- Electronic News, 5/12/2006

The World Semiconductor Council (WSC) concluded its 10th anniversary meeting Thursday and rung in the festivities with a laundry list of recommendations for expanding the global market for information technology products that included eliminating chip tariffs, promoting free trade and improving environmental practices in the global microchip industry. 

A joint statement of the WSC -- which represents the semiconductor industry associations of Europe, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and the U. S. -- applauded recent agreements, like the international agreement in March that eliminated tariffs on multi-chip semiconductor packages (MCP). The WSC maintained its support for efforts to work toward elimination of remaining tariffs and strongly criticized a growing trend in certain countries to collect “copyright levies” that raise the cost to consumers on digital media and digital equipment.

In a “green” effort, the council pledged elimination of non-critical use of process chemicals containing PFOS (Perfluoroctane Sulfonate) and to cooperate in finding acceptable substitute chemicals for critical processes. The council also endorsed a partnership with equipment and materials suppliers to collaborate in the development of best practices for energy savings.

Further, WSC reiterated its goal of expanding membership to include the semiconductor industry associations of countries with a major importance in the world semiconductor industry and its willingness to welcome the China Semiconductor Industry Association as a member, a step that would require the support of the government of the People’s Republic of China.

“The World Semiconductor Council once again demonstrated the value and effectiveness of international collaboration and cooperation to promote free and fair trade, expand the markets for information technology, and improve environmental, health and safety practices throughout the industry,” said Brian Halla, chairman and CEO of National Semiconductor and chairman of the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), in a statement.

The SIA hosted this year’s WSC meeting and Halla presided over the group’s sessions.