New tariffs on electronics from Trump: tariffs on imported chips could reach 100%

The Trump administration is working on new rules that will require semiconductor manufacturers to match the number of chips, i.e., one imported chip per unit of domestically produced product. If this ratio is not maintained in the long term, significant obligations will have to be paid. This approach will stimulate domestic production.

Specifics of the new project

According to the project, manufacturers will be required to maintain records for each imported chip. If the planned result is not achieved, significant tariffs will be introduced, which may reach up to 100%. The Minister of Commerce considers the proposal to be significant for national economic security.

It is currently unclear how the process of counting microchips will actually take place, as chips vary significantly in value, performance, complexity, and cost.

Companies that expand their semiconductor manufacturing facilities in the US will be able to obtain loans for the declared amount. It will also be possible to receive support for the transition period or be given time to build up the necessary domestic capacity.

The tariffs will be imposed directly on chip manufacturers, rather than on companies that produce end products. Large corporations such as Samsung and Dell import large volumes of products that use components from different countries. Therefore, tracking each chip will require close coordination between chip manufacturers, OEMs, and the government.

If the proposal is approved, companies that are expanding their capacity, such as Micron, Intel, and Samsung, will benefit significantly. However, this is still speculation, and there has been no official announcement from the White House.