U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday declared that the United States will implement a roughly 100% tariff on semiconductor chips imported from nations that do not manufacture or intend to manufacture them within the U.S.
“We’ll be putting a tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors,” Trump said during a White House event where Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed plans to increase the company’s U.S. investment by $100 billion. “But if you’re building in the United States of America, there’s no charge,” he added.
According to Politico, a White House official stated that the tariffs will be carefully structured and gradually implemented to support domestic manufacturing while minimizing disruptions to the supply chain.
In 2024, the United States imported over $60 billion in semiconductors, with more than $50 billion coming from Asian countries. Major suppliers included Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the European Union, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.
China accounted for approximately $2 billion in chip exports to the U.S. last year and remains a key provider of semiconductors used in the automotive sector.
Trump’s decision follows an inquiry initiated by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on April 1, conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This law grants the president the authority to limit imports that are considered threats to national security.
As part of its recent trade agreement with Trump, the EU secured a reduced 15% tariff on semiconductor imports. South Korea and Japan also appear to have obtained similar terms.
The United States depends heavily on imported semiconductors, with Taiwan leading the market for advanced chips. For years, lawmakers and national security specialists have cautioned that the reliance could pose a risk to U.S. interests.
Last year, Taiwan exported approximately $12 billion in semiconductors to the United States, narrowly surpassing Malaysia to become its leading overseas supplier.
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