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
Law enforcement responding to 'active shooter' at Mall of Louisiana: Gov Landry

Governor Landry Confirms Police Response to Ongoing Situation at Mall of Louisiana

On Thursday, authorities quickly responded to an incident at the Mall of…
New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr. goes missing amid mysterious health concerns

Breaking: New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean Jr.’s Disappearance Sparks Health Crisis Concerns

WASHINGTON — New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. has been notably absent…
California ‘basic income’ experiment fails to provide ‘financial independence,’ study finds

California’s Basic Income Trial Falls Short on Promised Financial Independence, Study Reveals

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, reveals…
UFO writer, paranormal YouTuber dies in suicide at home after mental health call: police

Tragic Loss: Renowned UFO Writer and Paranormal YouTuber’s Untimely Death Raises Mental Health Awareness

This article contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know…
Iran reportedly drops more mines in Strait of Hormuz — as US moves more minesweepers into the region

Tensions Rise as Iran Allegedly Deploys Additional Mines in Strait of Hormuz; US Responds with Increased Minesweeper Presence

The United States is intensifying its minesweeping activities in the Strait of…
Second alleged Guthrie ransom deadline missed, sparking new theories from Bongino, former FBI agent and doctor

Speedy DNA Test Results Possible in High-Profile Nancy Guthrie Case, Expert Reveals

A prominent figure in genetic genealogy anticipates that the analysis of a…
Gunman arrested more than 30 years after shooting bound couple in front of their 3-year-old son in NYC apartment: feds

Decades-Old NYC Cold Case Solved: Gunman Arrested for 1980s Double Shooting in Front of Child

After more than three decades, justice has caught up with the gunman…
Ukraine pitches 'Donnyland' to honor Trump's aid against Russia: report

Ukraine Proposes ‘Donnyland’ Tribute to Recognize Trump’s Support in Russia Conflict

According to a recent report, Ukrainian officials have proposed renaming a portion…
Lawmakers send letter demanding 'immediate action' on California's fuel crisis

Urgent Call to Action: Lawmakers Demand Swift Resolution to California’s Fuel Crisis

Bipartisan state lawmakers in California are pressing the state’s energy authorities to…
Sickening video shows NYC teen stomp on girl's head -- after she refused to give him her number

Shocking NYC Incident: Teen Brutally Attacks Girl for Rejecting Advances, Caught on Video

A disturbing video has emerged showing a violent encounter between two teenagers,…
Curses, Foiled Again: The FBI Thwarts a Potential Terror Plot Directed at a Texas Synagogue

FBI Successfully Intercepts Planned Terror Attack on Texas Synagogue

On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed the collaborative efforts of the…
California man accused of killing ex-wife and new boyfriend makes bold move in chilling  body-cam video

Chilling Body-Cam Footage Reveals California Man’s Shocking Move in Ex-Wife and Boyfriend Murder Case

Footage from a body camera reveals the subdued arrest of a 43-year-old…