On the 15th, US President Trump stated that he will impose semiconductor tariffs within the next two weeks, with rates possibly as high as 200% or even 300%, symbolizing his readiness to intensify efforts to force chip manufacturing to return to the United States. According to reports, while flying to Alaska to meet with Russian President Putin, Trump said on Air Force One, "I will impose tariffs on steel and chips next week and the following week." Trump has repeatedly promised that tariffs on chips and drugs will be implemented within a few weeks, but has not yet announced them. The US Department of Commerce has launched an investigation into the chip and pharmaceutical industries since April, which is a prerequisite for Trump's imposition of tariffs on national security grounds.
This program can be quite complex, and investigations often take months or even longer to complete. Manufacturers and artificial intelligence (AI) companies have been eager for clearer semiconductor tariff plans as chips are widely used in various modern consumer products. Last week, Trump announced at an event with Apple CEO Cook that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on semiconductors, but if manufacturers relocate production to the United States, their products will not be affected. The White House has not further explained how the exemption mechanism operates, but Trump has hinted that Apple, which has committed to a $600 billion Made in America program, may receive an exemption. On the 15th, Trump pointed out that semiconductor tariffs will initially be set at a lower level, allowing companies time to set up factories and build production capacity in the United States. After a period of time, the tariff rate will be significantly increased, possibly reaching 200% or 300%. Trump said in an uncertain tone, 'Will the tax rate I want to set be 200% or 300%?' He said he is confident that companies will set up factories in the United States instead of choosing to pay high tariffs.
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