with John Neuffer | Hosted by Jake E. Jennings

April 21, 2025
Coffee, Trade, and Tech, Episode #2

In episode two of Coffee, Trade, and Tech — the Tholos Talks series that unpacks the defining economic challenges of the 21st century — Jake sits down with John Neuffer, President and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association, to explore the complexity of the global semiconductor market. They discuss how the industry has been shaped by America First trade policies, how semiconductor trade will influence U.S.-China relations, and the urgent challenges facing the semiconductor workforce.

Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, and SoundCloud.

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This episode is brought to you by the Basilinna Institute.

About Our Guest

John Neuffer is President and CEO and ex officio board member of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), which has been the voice of the chip industry for over four decades. He has been at the nexus of technology, public policy, and trade for most of his career. John also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Semiconductor Research Corporation, the world’s leading non-profit industry-government-academia microelectronics research consortium. Prior to joining SIA, John served as Senior Vice President for Global Policy at the Information Technology Industry Council, where he led a global team to expand market access opportunities for member companies around the world. Previously, John served for over seven years at the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, DC: two years as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Affairs, preceded by over five years as Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Japan. Prior to his tenure with USTR, John was a Senior Research Fellow and Political Analyst with the Mitsui Kaijyo Research Institute in Tokyo for nine years. As a leading commentator on Japanese politics and policy at the institute, he published a widely read newsletter and wrote regular commentary for the Asian Wall Street Journal, TheStreet.com and Newsweek Japan. John lived in Japan 11 years.

About Our Host

Jake E. Jennings is the Chair of the Americas, Trade and Technology practice at Basilinna. He is a seasoned government affairs leader with over three decades of experience with expertise in global trade, supply chain policy, and international markets. His career spans...read the full bio here.

About the Show

Tholos Talks, a series following the spirit of the tholos circle, where Ancient Greek intellectuals gathered to debate the issues of the day. Through deep insight and thought-provoking dialogue, we offer the tools to decode complexity and illuminate the path forward.

Tholos Talks is a Basilinna Institute produced podcast.

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