The Biden administration announced on Monday a last-minute trade investigation into older Chinese-made "legacy" semiconductors that could heap more U.S. tariffs on chips from China that power everyday goods from autos to washing machines to telecoms gear.

The US Trade Representative’s office said it had launched an investigation into “China’s acts, policies and practices related to targeting of the semiconductor industry for dominance”. The probe would be conducted under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.

The Biden administration launched a new probe into legacy Chinese semiconductors that may go into everything from cars to household goods and defense systems.

The Biden administration said on Monday it launched an investigation into China's semiconductor sector, which officials claim threatens U.S. national security. Why it matters: It is a first step toward possible measures,