Trump: Chip Tariffs to Be Imposed Within Two Weeks, with Rates up to 300%
U.S. President Trump Announces High Tariffs on Semiconductors
On August 16, U.S. President Trump, en route to Alaska to meet with Russian President Putin, stated in an interview that he would impose high tariffs of 200-300% on semiconductors, emphasizing that actions could be taken within two weeks.
New Tariffs on Steel and Chips Expected Within Two Weeks
Trump indicated that new tariff measures regarding steel, chips, and semiconductors would be announced in the next two weeks. Given that he had already raised tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50% in June, there are doubts about whether this was a slip of the tongue.
At the same time, Trump has repeatedly emphasized that tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals are imminent. However, these two industries have been under investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce since April for national security reasons, which is a necessary prerequisite for Trump to invoke national security clauses to impose tariffs. Based on past experience, such investigations are time-consuming and complex, potentially taking several months to conclude.
(U.S. Secretary of Commerce Lutnick: Pharmaceuticals and chips will be considered non-negotiable, and additional national security tariffs will be imposed.)
Semiconductor Tariffs Could Reach 300%, Industry Anxious
Due to the widespread application of chips, manufacturers and semiconductor industry players are eager to know the specific tax rates and regulations. During a joint appearance with Apple CEO Tim Cook on August 7, Trump hinted at imposing a 100% tariff on semiconductors, but suggested that companies building factories in the U.S. or committing to investments could receive tax exemptions. Apple, having announced a $600 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, is seen as a potential beneficiary, but the White House has yet to provide details.
Subsequently, on August 16, Trump stated that semiconductor tariffs could range from 200-300%, further heightening market tension, as this adjustment would have a more significant impact on the global supply chain compared to the previous rates of 50% or 100%.
(Trump: A 100% tariff on imported chips; exemptions available for U.S. factories or investments.)
Threats to India and Russia Ahead of the Summit, Continued Economic Sanctions Likely
In addition to chips, Trump has also targeted other countries with tariffs. He noted that Russian President Putin would bring many business leaders to the Alaska summit. While Trump believes this indicates that Putin “wants to do business,” he emphasized that as long as the Russia-Ukraine war remains unresolved, Russia will have no business opportunities. Recently, Trump also promised to impose higher tariffs on “countries purchasing Russian energy,” and threatened a 50% tariff on Indian goods, even hinting that if talks with Putin do not go well, he may further escalate economic sanctions against Russia.
Risk Warning
Investment in cryptocurrencies carries a high risk, with prices potentially experiencing severe volatility, and you may lose your entire principal. Please assess risks carefully.
