US President Donald Trump is considering new tariffs on semiconductors, a move that could impact a wide range of products from cars to cell phones. The decision comes after the White House exempted certain electronics from reciprocal tariffs earlier this month.
The US administration has launched an investigation into semiconductors under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the president to restrict imports if they are deemed critical to national security. Director of the National Economic Council Kevin Hassett said that semiconductors are a key component in many defense systems and that their lack of domestic production poses a national security risk.
Hassett compared the proposed semiconductor tariffs to existing steel and aluminum tariffs, which were also imposed under Section 232. The new tariffs would target Chinese input in US-made weapons systems, with the goal of protecting American industry and national security.
The move comes as US Customs and Border Protection has lifted reciprocal tariffs on certain electronics, including smartphones and computers. However, these exemptions are temporary, and the semiconductor tariffs are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
China is the top source of electronic products imported into the US, followed by Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The administration’s actions aim to re-shore production of these components, which would require significant investments in domestic manufacturing capacity.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/13/g-s1-60086/semiconduct-tariffs-trump