(The Hill) – President Trump said Wednesday his administration was planning to impose a 100 percent tariff on all semiconductor imports.
“We’re going to be putting a very large tariff on chips and semiconductors,” Trump said alongside Apple CEO Tim Cook.
“The positive aspect for companies such as Apple,” Trump mentioned, “is that if you are building or have pledged to build in the United States, you will not incur any charges.”
Trump has already imposed tariffs on automobiles, copper, steel and aluminum. He has also threatened a sizable tariff on pharmaceutical imports.
Specialists have cautioned that tariffs on imports could make it harder for Americans to obtain those goods, as relocating supply chains domestically will require time.
The Trump administration initiated an investigation earlier this year to assess the national security implications of importing semiconductor technology, effectively preparing the path for possible tariffs.
Semiconductors power numerous products, including cars, smartphones, computers and more.
In 2022, Congress enacted the CHIPS and Science Act to encourage companies to produce semiconductor chips domestically in the United States. Trump has criticized this legislation and suggested that tariffs can be used to compel businesses to relocate their operations to the United States.
