How Microchips Migrate From China to Russia

Chinese customs data show that shipments of integrated circuits to Russia were valued at $179 million in 2022—against just $74 million a year prior. The U.S. invented microchips and it has threatened sanctions on anyone who sells many, if not most, varieties to Russia. Still, recent leaks—and some publicly available data—make clear that they keep showing up on Russian shores. At the center of the trade is China and, allegedly, a few other intermediary countries such as Turkey. The adaptability of global trade networks in response to sanctions and tariffs isn't a new story: For another recent example, look no…