The Trump administration is set to release the results of a national security probe into imports of semiconductors in two weeks, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The investigation, launched under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aims to determine whether the extensive reliance on foreign imports poses a national security threat.
The probe is part of a broader effort by the administration to address concerns over trade with key partners, including Taiwan. The European Union has been negotiating a trade agreement that could resolve issues related to tariffs and imports, with the US seeking higher tariffs on EU goods.
President Trump recently announced a new framework trade agreement with the EU, which includes 15% tariffs on EU imports entering the US. The agreement also covers autos, with a higher 25% tariff under separate sectoral action.
The investigation follows earlier probes into copper and lumber imports, as well as 25% tariffs imposed on steel, aluminum, and the auto industry during Trump’s first term. With tensions over trade escalating, the US is heavily reliant on semiconductor imports from Taiwan, which has been a focus of attention in recent months.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/27/trump-lutnick-semiconductors-chip-imports.html