🚀 go-pugleaf

cac@iear.arts.rpi.edu (Christopher A. Cox) writes:

>	I am told that the cause of the sharp increase in memory prices
>is a result of a new 80% tariff in imported semiconductors.  Locally a
>place that was selling 1Mbx9 SIMMs for about $30 has raised its price to
>almost $60.00.  Get your memory quick from old stock...now maybe this
>country will start thinking of sinking more of its resources into new
>process research rather than new product (cuz as many things as we
>invent the Japnanese will find a better, quicker, and cheaper way to
>make it).

>							Chris

Well, actually there is no tariff, yet.  What was made was a preliminary
ruling that would require certain Korean DRAM manufacturers to post bonds
based upon the Commerce Depts. assessment of their involvement in
'dumping' DRAMs into the US market.  The bonds range from something like
30% to 80% (Samsung, I believe).   Some have posted the bonds, others
are appealing.  The rise in prices is speculative based upon the possible
impact of any final ruling, i.e., there is no shortage or tariff at this
time that should cause this type of price increase.

Those who are cynical will look at this in the light of Nov. 3.  There
are 2 US DRAM manufacturers, Texas Instruments (Texas) and Micron
(Idaho), both states in which the polls show the presidential race to be
very close.  Texas, in particular, is very important to any candidate
(lots of electoral votes, folks), and the timing of this announcement
may be another case of our President trying to 'buy' the election
(earlier rulings allowing sales of military aircraft, wheat subsidies,
etc., are other cases where the incumbent administration has appeared
to use its control over policy to woo voters).

>-- 
>---------- If you cut here you'd probably ruin your monitor -------------
>cac@iear.arts.rpi.edu			               Christopher A. Cox
>cac@itchy.geog.albany.edu			       I think, therefore
>cc8034@eve.albany.edu				              am confused.