A contentious trade issue between China and the U.S. appears to be on the verge of being determined, as the Chinese government said it will soon settle anti trust charges against Qualcomm Inc.
The U.S. mobile chipmaker is suspected by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of operating in a monopolistic fashion, abusing its market position in wireless communications standards by overcharging Chinese customers.
A Chinese decision in the case is “imminent,” according to a Reuters report, and could lead to fines exceeding $1 billion while also requiring concessions in Qualcomm’s business of charging licensing fees on phone chipsets that use its patents, a highly profitable business segment.

