Trump plans 100% tariff on computer chips, unless companies build in US
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday plans to introduce a 100% tariff on computer chips, potentially leading to increased costs for electronics, cars, household appliances, and other vital products reliant on these processors critical in today’s digital era.

“We will be implementing a roughly 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors,” Trump declared while conversing with Apple CEO Tim Cook in the Oval Office. “However, companies that manufacture in the United States will not face this charge.”

The announcement came more than three months after Trump temporarily exempted most electronics from his administration’s most onerous tariffs.

The President clarified that firms producing computer chips within the U.S. would be exempt from this import tariff. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the scarcity of computer chips led to an increase in car prices and was a contributing factor to rising inflation.

Investors appeared to view the possible tariff exemptions positively for Apple and other prominent technology firms that have pledged substantial financial resources to enhance chip and component manufacturing in the U.S.

Major tech enterprises have collectively vowed to invest approximately $1.5 trillion in the U.S. since Trump’s return to the White House in January. This investment includes Apple’s pledge of $600 billion, which reflects a $100 billion increase since its earlier promise in February.

The key question remains whether the agreement between Cook and Trump will adequately shield the millions of iPhones produced in China and India from tariffs already imposed by the administration, and reduce the need for the company to hike the prices of upcoming models set to be revealed next month.

Wall Street certainly seems to think so. After Apple’s stock price gained 5% in Wednesday regular trading sessions, the shares rose by another 3% in extended trading after Trump announced some tech companies won’t be hit with the latest tariffs while Cook stood alongside him.

The shares of AI chipmaker Nvidia, which also has recently made big commitments to the U.S., rose slightly in extended trading to add to the $1 trillion gain in market value the Silicon Valley company has made since the start of Trump’s second administration.

The stock price of computer chip pioneer Intel, which has fallen on hard times, also climbed in extended trading.

Inquiries sent to chip makers Nvidia and Intel were not immediately answered. The chip industry’s main trade group, the Semiconductor Industry Association, declined to comment on Trump’s latest tariffs.

Demand for computer chips has been climbing worldwide, with sales increasing 19.6% in the year-ended in June, according to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics organization.

Trump’s tariff threats mark a significant break from existing plans to revive computer chip production in the U.S. that were drawn up during the administration of President Joe Biden.

Since taking over from Biden, Trump has been deploying tariffs to incentivize more domestic production. Essentially, the president is betting that the threat of dramatically higher chip costs would force most companies to open factories domestically, despite the risk that tariffs could squeeze corporate profits and push up prices for mobile phones, TVs and refrigerators.

By contrast, the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act that Biden signed into law in 2022 provided more than $50 billion to support new computer chip plants, fund research and train workers for the industry. The mix of funding support, tax credits and other financial incentives were meant to draw in private investment, a strategy that Trump has vocally opposed.

Liedtke reported from San Ramon, California.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'No Kings' protests against Pres. Donald Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Against President Trump Emerge as Vibrant Street Gatherings

WASHINGTON — In a spirited show of dissent against the current administration,…
Illinois State University teacher's assistant flips Turning Point USA table, tears down flyers: 'Jesus did it'

Illinois State University TA Sparks Controversy by Dismantling Turning Point USA Display: ‘Inspired by Jesus

An Illinois State University teaching assistant found himself in legal trouble after…
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line

Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Gaza Following Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Breach

Israel launched strikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
'No Kings' protest in St. Augustine

St. Augustine’s ‘No Kings’ Protest Draws Attention: Citizens Rally for Equality and Justice

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Protesters gathered in St. Augustine on Saturday as…

Remembering Sam Rivers: Limp Bizkit Bassist’s Impactful Legacy Lives On at 48

Sam Rivers, the bassist and a founding member of the iconic band…
Israel says Hamas violated ceasefire with 'multiple attacks' leading to IDF response

Israel Accuses Hamas of Breaching Ceasefire with ‘Multiple Attacks,’ Prompting IDF Retaliation

The Israeli military launched airstrikes against Hamas in Gaza, alleging that the…
'Dr. Antifa' fled US after doxxing, but infamous handbook promotes tactic and violence against 'Far Right'

Controversial ‘Dr. Antifa’ Escapes USA Amid Backlash Over Handbook Encouraging Tactics Against Far-Right

Dr. Mark Bray, a Rutgers University professor colloquially known as “Dr. Antifa,”…
Simone Biles in Chicago: Olympic gymnast speaks with children in foster care system at Friends of the Children event in West Loop

Simone Biles Inspires Chicago’s Foster Youth: Olympic Legend Engages with Future Stars at Friends of the Children Event

In the Windy City, Olympic champion Simone Biles has become a familiar…
CTU, IFT union news: Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates elected to lead Illinois Federation of Teachers

Stacy Davis Gates Elected to Lead Illinois Federation of Teachers, Strengthening Union Leadership Across Chicago

Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates has been appointed as the…
Jaguars fans rally at Culhane's despite London loss

Jaguars Fans Unite at Culhane’s After Tough London Match

Jaguars supporters flocked to Culhane’s Irish Pub, hoping for a victory, only…
NFL Week 8 odds, picks

Week 8 NFL Predictions: Expert Odds and Top Picks

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…