Yes, there is a tariff on USB flash drives coming from China.

Two tariffs have been assigned to the USB flash drive category when importing product from China since 2020.

• February of 2020 a 7.5% tariff was enacted by Trump
• January of 2025 a 10.0% tariff was enacted by Trump

The total tariff amount is currently 17.5% for all USB flash drives imported from China into the United States.

Many economists argue about tariffs. Mostly that tariffs are harmful to the US economy because they increase costs for consumers and businesses while disrupting global trade. Many U.S. manufacturers rely on imported raw materials and components (such as semiconductors, steel, and electronic parts) to produce finished goods. Higher input costs make American businesses less competitive, potentially leading to job losses and slower economic growth.

Is this bad? Mostly YES and a little no.

A big yes because any tariff assigned to a product during important is affectively a “tax” on the product. This is true for whether the item is being important from China or any other country.

A little “no” because the United States has a trade deficient in relationship to China. By instituting a tariff on imported goods, in theory, is supposed to encourage US suppliers to manufacture product in the United States.

Tariffs can also provoke retaliatory measures from trading partners, harming US exporters by making their goods more expensive and less competitive in foreign markets. While tariffs are often intended to encourage domestic manufacturing, they may not be effective in reshoring production. Many industries have deeply integrated global supply chains, making it difficult and expensive to shift production back to the US.

For example, there are no major players, such as Kingston, Western Digital, Nexcopy or Micron who manufacture USB flash drive memory inside the United States. These manufacturers use contract factories in China to produce the goods.

Even if these companies could manufacture in the United States, they would still need to import NAND memory from China. Since NAND memory accounts for 85% of the total cost of a USB flash drive, shifting production to the U.S. would not be financially viable. It is more cost-effective for consumers to absorb the tariff than for manufacturers to overhaul their supply chain and production strategy.

Tariffs are an old strategy for international business negotiations. The president who implemented these tariffs does not hold the “art of a deal” but rather, simple and elementary visions for how to negotiate trade deals. Tariffs have been used for centuries as a tool to protect domestic industries, generate government revenue, and influence trade relationships. The theory is, imposing tariffs to shield local businesses from foreign competition and ensure domestic industries could develop without being undercut by cheaper imports is no longer a working theory.

While tariffs remain a common negotiation tool, many economists argue that free trade agreements and international cooperation (such as those under the World Trade Organization) are more effective at fostering long-term economic growth. Instead of imposing tariffs, modern trade deals often focus on reducing barriers, increasing market access, and enforcing fair competition rules, which can lead to more sustainable and mutually beneficial trade relationships.

The above paragraph is a major short coming of the current administration (Trump 2025) and the inability to think at these higher levels and negotiate more detailed agreements will ultimately cost the American consumer hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

What can you do?

There is not much which can be done to avoid or circumvent the tariff imposed. For example, there is no manufacturer inside the United States producing USB drives. The cost to ship product from China to say Taiwan or Mexico and then ship into the US is more expensive than paying the tariff. Looking forward, the “option” any American has is understanding what a tariff is and how that impacts the bottom line for a company or business. Most importantly, to elect officials who are more in-line with consumer protection rather than exercising retaliatory political moves at the expense of American people.

A couple notes:

• $800 or lower there is no tariff
• $800 is too low for manufacturers to help
• The Harmonization Code for USB Flash Memory is 8523.51.00.00

USB Flash Drive sales are estimated to be 5.47 Billion dollars for 2024. Let’s say the United States purchased only 1% of that amount, the $800 limit on single orders would still not allow manufacturers to “work the system” and avoid paying tariffs by making hundreds of mini shipping orders – there is too much volume coming into the United States to justify making thousands of small orders under $800. Plus, US Customs would certainly catch on to a scheme like that.

This original article was posted on the English GetUSB.info website at: Is There a Tariff on USB Flash Drives?

Micron Technology, a leading memory-chip manufacturer, exceeded expectations in its fiscal second quarter and surprised investors with a profitable performance. The company’s strong results were buoyed by increased sales in artificial-intelligence infrastructure, propelling its stock upward.

Based in Boise, Idaho, Micron reported adjusted earnings of 42 cents per share on revenue of $5.82 billion for the quarter ending Feb. 29. This outperformed analysts’ projections, who anticipated a loss of 25 cents per share on revenue of $5.35 billion. In comparison, during the same period last year, Micron faced an adjusted loss of $1.91 per share on $3.69 billion in revenue.

Looking ahead, Micron provided optimistic guidance for the current quarter, projecting adjusted earnings of 45 cents per share on revenue reaching $6.6 billion. This forecast surpassed analysts’ expectations of 9 cents per share earnings on $6 billion in revenue for the fiscal third quarter. In the corresponding period last year, Micron reported an adjusted loss of $1.43 per share on revenue totaling $3.75 billion.

Despite facing five consecutive quarters of losses due to market fluctuations, Micron’s latest performance indicates a positive turn.

Following the earnings report, Micron’s stock surged over 13% in after-hours trading, reaching $108.90. In regular trading on Wednesday, it rose 2.4% to close at $96.25.

Micron’s CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, attributed the strong results to the team’s effective strategies in pricing, products, and operations. He expressed confidence in the company’s product lineup and anticipated a robust second half of 2024, particularly emphasizing Micron’s position to benefit from the artificial-intelligence trend in the semiconductor industry.

The company’s stock has been on an upward trajectory this year amid hopes for a recovery in the memory-chip market, with a 65% increase over the past 12 months. Several Wall Street firms raised their price targets for Micron stock in anticipation of its earnings report, reflecting positive sentiment in the market.

Moreover, Micron is expected to capitalize on the growing demand for AI infrastructure spending, leveraging its high-bandwidth memory chips like HBM3e products. Competing with industry giants like Samsung and SK Hynix, Micron remains well-positioned to cater to data center needs with its advanced memory solutions.

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Micron (MU) concluded the latest trading session at $70.85, representing a 0.77% increase compared to the previous day’s closing price. This performance surpassed the S&P 500’s marginal daily gain of 0.12%. In contrast, the Dow experienced a 0.2% decline, while the Nasdaq, which is heavily focused on technology, recorded a gain of 0.29%.

Leading up to today’s trading session, the chipmaker’s shares had surged by an impressive 7.62% over the past month. This substantial gain outpaces the Computer and Technology sector’s 2.32% increase and the S&P 500’s modest 0.09% rise during the same period.

Investors on Wall Street are keenly anticipating Micron’s upcoming earnings report, scheduled for September 27, 2023. Projections indicate an expected EPS of -$1.19, reflecting a substantial 182.07% decrease compared to the previous year’s quarter. Additionally, the latest consensus estimate foresees revenue of $3.91 billion, marking a notable 41.2% drop compared to the prior-year quarter.

It’s crucial for investors to take note of any recent modifications in analyst forecasts for Micron. These revisions often provide insights into the company’s near-term business prospects. Positive adjustments in estimates are generally viewed as favorable indicators for the company’s future performance.

Our research underscores the correlation between these estimate changes and short-term stock price movements. To capitalize on this relationship, we developed the Zacks Rank, a rating model that accounts for these estimate fluctuations and offers actionable insights.

The Zacks Rank system spans from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasting an impressive, independently audited track record of success, with #1-rated stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate for Micron has remained unchanged, resulting in a current Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

The Semiconductor Memory industry falls within the Computer and Technology sector, and it holds a respectable Zacks Industry Rank of 112. This places it in the upper 45% of all 250+ industries analyzed by our research. The Zacks Industry Rank serves as a measure of industry group strength, determined by the average Zacks Rank of individual stocks within the sector. Our findings indicate that top-rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Western Digital is not answering questions about their failed SSD drives because they don’t know exactly where the problem lies. The three main components for any SSD drive will be the PCB board, the on-board chipset that controls the flow of information between the host PC and the memory and of course, the NAND memory itself. If we break this down a bit more, we might find out what the reason is.

Background (PCB, USB Controller, NAND Memory)

The PCB board

Printed Circuit Boards, or PCBs, play a vital role in modern electronics. They are like the backbone of electronic devices, providing a platform for components to be connected, organized, and powered. Let’s break down their value, design process, testing, and impact on soldered components.

Value of PCBs:
A PCB serves as a foundation for electronic components to work together. It’s like a puzzle board with electrical pathways etched onto it, allowing components like resistors, capacitors, microchips, and more to communicate and function properly. Without PCBs, it would be incredibly difficult and messy to manually connect all these components together.

Designing PCBs:
The process of designing a PCB involves several steps:

Schematic Design:
Engineers create a schematic diagram, which is like a blueprint showing how components are connected. This helps plan the layout of the PCB.

PCB Layout:
Using specialized software, the engineer arranges components on the PCB, considering factors like size, heat dissipation, and signal integrity. This layout involves placing components and drawing the electrical pathways (traces) that connect them.

Routing:
This step involves deciding the exact paths for the traces to minimize interference and ensure efficient operation. High-speed components may require careful consideration to maintain signal quality.

Layers:
PCBs often have multiple layers, allowing for more complex designs. Each layer can carry different traces, making the most of the available space.

Components:
Once the layout is finalized, components are attached to the PCB using soldering techniques. Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Technology (THT) are commonly used methods.

Testing PCBs:
Testing ensures that the PCB functions as intended and helps catch any errors before mass production. There are a few ways to test PCBs:

Visual Inspection:
Engineers visually check for any obvious issues such as soldering defects or incorrect component placement.

Continuity Testing:
This involves checking if the expected electrical connections exist between components and traces. Multimeters can help with this.

Functional Testing:
PCBs are powered up, and their performance is checked to ensure that all components are working as expected. This can involve running specific test programs or performing specific tasks to evaluate functionality.

Impact on Soldered Components:
Components soldered to a PCB are connected to it through solder joints. These joints are vital for the proper functioning of the device. The quality of soldering affects the overall reliability and performance of the PCB. Poor soldering can lead to bad connections, signal interruptions, and even complete device failure.

PCBs are crucial for modern electronics as they provide a structured platform for components to work together. Their design involves careful planning, layout, and routing of components and traces. Testing ensures proper functionality, and the quality of soldered components directly impacts the overall reliability and performance of the PCB and the device it’s a part of.

USB Controller

Let’s dive into USB controllers and their role in solid-state hard drives (SSDs) and flash drives.

Micron Technology, a company that makes computer memory, experienced a nearly 5% increase in its stock price during early trading on Thursday. The reason for this boost is Micron’s announcement that it will introduce an advanced technology called extreme ultraviolet (EUV) in Japan. This technology will be used to produce the next generation of dynamic random access memory (DRAM).

Micron, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, stated that it is the first chip company to bring EUV technology to Japan for manufacturing. The company will be assisted by its facility in Hiroshima. Micron plans to invest up to $3.63 billion in the process over the next few years, with support from the Japanese government. The aim of this investment is to facilitate further technological advancements, particularly in emerging areas such as generative artificial intelligence applications.

Micron’s President and CEO, Sanjay Mehrotra, expressed his pride in being the first to implement EUV technology in Japan. He emphasized the significance of developing and producing 1-gamma at the Hiroshima facility. Mehrotra also acknowledged Micron’s commitment to Japan, its strong relationship with the Japanese government, and the exceptional skills of the Micron Hiroshima team.

Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) technology is an advanced manufacturing technique used in the production of semiconductor devices, such as computer chips. It involves the use of extremely short-wavelength light, specifically in the range of 13.5 nanometers, which falls within the extreme ultraviolet part of the electromagnetic spectrum. EUV light has much shorter wavelengths than the ultraviolet light used in conventional chip manufacturing processes.

EUV technology offers several advantages over traditional lithography methods. The shorter wavelength of EUV light enables higher precision and resolution in creating smaller and more intricate circuit patterns on silicon wafers. This allows for the production of denser and more powerful semiconductor devices. Additionally, EUV technology reduces the complexity and number of process steps required in chip manufacturing, leading to increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementing EUV technology in semiconductor fabrication requires specialized equipment and processes. It involves using a powerful EUV light source to project a pattern onto a silicon wafer coated with light-sensitive materials, known as photoresist. The pattern is transferred onto the wafer, forming the intricate circuitry and structures that make up the semiconductor device.

EUV technology represents a significant advancement in the semiconductor industry and enables the development of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips. It plays a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for higher-performing electronic devices and paves the way for future technological innovations.

Starting in 2025, Micron plans to gradually incorporate EUV technology into its manufacturing processes in Taiwan and Japan, specifically in the 1-gamma nodes.

Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, highlighted the importance of the partnership between Micron and Japan, stating that it represents a significant advancement in securing the semiconductor supply chain. Emanuel also emphasized the potential for economic growth and security through collaboration in cutting-edge technologies.

The announcement follows reports that Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was scheduled to meet with executives from various semiconductor companies, including Micron, to strengthen cooperation in the industry.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno emphasized that the semiconductor supply chain cannot be established by a single country alone. He stressed the importance of collaboration with like-minded countries and regions to achieve this goal.

Review: USB-C cable tester by BLE caberQU

USB-C has firmly established itself as the universal connector standard, integrating data transfer, power delivery, and video output into a single interface. With so many cables on the market, knowing which ones truly deliver on their promises can be challenging. That’s where the BLE caberQU comes in, a great USB-C cable tester that provide all the details one would need.

We can break down the need to test USB-C cables into five categories; and it’s worth noting if you are going to spend good money on a device, monitor or other peripheral, isn’t it worth a bit effort to make sure the cable connecting it all works at the highest level?

The most important factor to consider is USB-C data transfer speed. Different USB-C cables can transfer data at different speeds. For instance, some are USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), while others might support USB 3.1 or USB 3.2, which can go up to 10 or 20 Gbps. Testing the cables makes sure you’re getting the right speed, especially when dealing with large files or using external drives.

The BLE caberQU performs great in its main functions. It provides a dependable way to test USB-C cables for data speed, charging power, and overall condition. The LED indicators give a clear and quick visual of the cable’s pin connections, making testing easier. The LCD screen goes further by showing detailed information about the data speed of the cable being tested.

The second most important category is Compatibility. Not all USB-C cables are created equally. Some might not be compatible with high-speed protocols like Thunderbolt 3 or 4, which can impact both data transfer rates and compatibility with devices like monitors or docks. The BLE caberQU provides a systematic way to determine the true connectivity protocol of the cable. Although some cables may give false positive results, it is recommended to test the cable multiple times for Compatibility to insure the BLE caberQU reports the correct value.

Micron has introduced two new tech products: a tiny flash storage device for phones and a big memory chip for Nvidia GPUs.

Micron, which makes and sells SSDs, created a flash chip that’s super small but packs a punch. It’s like a supercharged version of the standard UFS 4.0 device, only about the size of a fingernail (9 x 13 mm). This tiny chip can hold up to 1 TB of data using Micron’s fancy 3D NAND technology. It’s super speedy, reading and writing data much faster than older models. This means your smartphone apps can load quicker and run smoother. Plus, it can be used in cars too.

Mark Montierth, from Micron, said their new chip is all about making smartphones faster and more efficient. With this new technology, your phone can handle fancy AI apps much quicker, making chatting with bots smoother.

The new chip also comes with some cool new features:

1. High-Performance Mode (HPM): This makes sure your phone runs smoothly even when you’re doing a lot at once.
2. One Button Refresh (OBR): This helps keep your phone clean and running like new.
3. Zoned UFS (ZUFS): This helps your phone’s storage last longer by managing data better.

Micron is already sending out samples of their new chip, which comes in different sizes. And guess what? Big phone companies like HONOR and Samsung are already using Micron’s new tech in their latest smartphones.

In the dramatic style of online media pumping the RSS feeds with USB juice jacking end of days, consider this satirical word salad.

The domain of USB juice jacking unfurls its potentially ugly head with an available open socket in the dark corner of an airport corridor. Both consumers and enterprise travels could run the high risk of an orchestrated series of pragmatic events leading to the downfall of one’s sanctuary… or could it? The bedrock principle here is that USB juice jacking grievous – but the true question, is it? Or is this all just media hype?

Consider these avenues to preserve the sanctity of your data and the haven of your device:

The Portable Paragon: Opting for a portable charger takes the sting out of the juice jacking quandary. By sidestepping public charging stations, you effectively dodge the peril. Anticipating the untimely depletion of batteries, especially during journeys, beckons the wisdom of an emergency charging repository. A small caveat: ensure this fortress is adequately fortified prior to your ventures, and that its compatible conduits stand ready.

The Cord-And-Plug Ballet: If the portable charger is but a distant memory, there’s a dance of cords and plugs that could spare you the dance with danger. Brandishing your personal USB cable and trusty outlet plug allows you to plug into a wall socket, rendering the jeopardy null. When sockets prove elusive, your own USB cord at a public station unfurls as an emergent bastion.

Taming the Data Hydrant: Enter the esoteric inner workings of USB cables, and you’ll uncover a binary nature – a power-bearing filament and a data-carrying cousin. The crux of juice jacking unravels through the latter. Presenting a savior: a USB cable that forsakes data aspirations. This averts the artifice. But do heed the fine print: scenarios beckon where data-hungry cables are indispensable – such as shuttle duties to the cloud. Be prepared for a multiplicity of cords and the vigilance to discern their roles.

Sentinel of Data: The data blocker, a digital sentinel of sorts, takes its stance here. It forms an impervious bulwark between your cord and the dubious charging station. A strategic interlude that both the cord and the data pins traverse. These wards negate the data transmission, while the coursing power remains uninterrupted. Similar to their data-agnostic counterparts, they preclude the ingress of malware and data subversion.

Mistrusting the Digital: “Trust” and “share data,” an innocent query from your device as you court a public charger. Swiftly recoil. Apple’s devices, astutely attuned to data traffic, wave a flag of caution. This prompts a swift retreat when encountered. Such a message signals an imposter and hints at the lurking specter of juice jacking.

The Ordeal of Juice Jacking in the Corporate Landscape

The saga of USB juice jacking, while impactful on personal devices, weaves a more perilous tapestry within corporate enclaves. Envision the cataclysm: a sprawling data breach, gestating within the confines of a juice jacking event. A corporate warrior connects their laboring device to a public charger, unwittingly offering a foothold. In an instant, cyber marauders could storm the ramparts of the employee’s corporate realm.

For the prudent corporation, a trinity of strategies beckons:

Enlighten the Digital Denizens: Infuse your workforce with the intricacies of juice jacking. Cultivate a cybersecurity ethos, emboldened by informed choices in the face of electronic deceit.

Outfitting the Expeditionary: Equip your corporate wanderers with data blockers – their digital exoskeletons against the lurking threats of public charging.

The Clarion Call of Vigilance: If suspicions of malware assail employees in the embrace of a public charging portal, mandate the clarion call for reporting. Swift response translates to remote data purging, a bulwark against further inroads into corporate dominion and the treacherous terrain of data breaches. Inculcate an understanding of the virtue of vigilance, even in the face of policy breaches, to circumvent further havoc.

In the quest to comprehend juice jacking, one often veers to extremes: a hyperawareness that presumes its omnipresence or a dismissive attitude that fuels complacency. Opting for the middle path, however, stands as the beacon of wisdom. Acknowledge the potential and attendant risks, and embrace a precautionary stance. Thus ensues a realm where both you and your workforce can replenish your devices without courting catastrophe.

The Chinese government recently took a significant step against an American semiconductor company Micron Technology with corporate headquarters in Boise, ID. The Cyberspace Administration of China announced that Micron, one of the largest producer of memory chips in the world, posed significant security risks to China’s critical information infrastructure supply chain. As a result, it ordered operators of critical national infrastructure to refrain from purchasing Micron’s products.

Experts believe that Micron became an apparent target for China due to its technology, which could be more easily replaced with chips from South Korean competitors such as Samsung and SK Hynix. In fact, just last month, the White House requested that South Korea’s chipmakers refrain from filling any market gap in China if the sale of Micron’s products were to be restricted.

China conveyed its decision to Micron during a meeting held in Beijing on Sunday.

Could this be backlash for the United States restricting Huawei products within its borders due to concerns over security risks? If you remember, the ban was implemented to protect the country’s critical information infrastructure from potential threats posed by Huawei’s technology. Several factors contributed to this decision.

One of the primary concerns is the alleged close relationship between Huawei and the Chinese government. There have been suspicions that Huawei’s equipment could potentially be used for unauthorized surveillance or cyberattacks, posing a threat to national security. The fear is that the Chinese government could exploit vulnerabilities in Huawei’s technology to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt critical networks.

Furthermore, the ban on Huawei products is also driven by concerns about intellectual property theft. The United States has accused Huawei of stealing trade secrets and engaging in unfair business practices, leading to legal disputes and a deterioration of trust between the two nations.

The US government has taken measures to protect its communication networks by restricting the use of Huawei equipment. These actions have included banning federal agencies from purchasing Huawei products and urging allies to follow suit. The concern is that relying on Huawei’s infrastructure could compromise the integrity and security of the country’s telecommunications networks.

Western Digital, an Irvine CA based company who makes digital storage devices and technology, recently revealed that they experienced a security issue on March 26. An unauthorized person gained access to some of their systems without permission. As a result, Western Digital took many of their servers offline, which caused problems for customers who couldn’t access their data remotely.

As you can guess, everyone is concerned. Joseph Carson, who is a security scientist, said that it’s a reminder of what can happen when attackers gain access to a company’s network. He pointed out that since Western Digital is a cloud storage company with many customers, the impact of the breach is even greater because many consumers and businesses couldn’t access their important data remotely.

Tom Kellermann, a cyber strategy expert, shared similar worries. He called this a significant supply chain attack, which means that it could have a widespread impact on e-commerce. He also mentioned that if this attack was done by a rogue nation state, it could have national security implications that last for months.

On the positive side, Erich Kron, an advocate for security awareness, praised Western Digital for quickly addressing the issue and being transparent about it. He also said that it’s important for organizations to have a plan to deal with network attacks that could lead to ransomware, a type of malicious software that can lock up data until a ransom is paid. Kron mentioned that many of these attacks happen because of human error, so it’s important for employees to be trained and educated about how to spot email phishing attacks and other tricks used by hackers.

Western Digital said that they are working with law enforcement authorities to investigate the incident, and they will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Western Digital experienced a security breach that affected their systems and caused disruption for their customers. Experts are concerned about the impact of this breach and emphasize the importance of organizations having plans in place to deal with network attacks. Western Digital is actively investigating the incident and working with authorities to resolve the issue.

Western Digital is a company that manufactures data storage devices, including flash drives, SSD hard drives, server and IT solutions. Flash drives are small devices that can store and transfer data, such as documents, photos, and videos. Western Digital uses advanced technology to create USB flash drives by integrating memory chips, controllers, and other components into a compact and portable design. The memory chips store data in a way that allows it to be quickly accessed and transferred. The controllers manage the flow of data between the memory chips and the device it’s connected to, ensuring smooth operation. Western Digital follows strict quality control and testing processes to ensure that their flash drives are reliable and durable. Once the flash drives are manufactured, they are packaged and distributed to retailers for sale to consumers and businesses for various data storage needs.

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