Trump Threatens Heavy Tariffs On Chips Made Outside US: Apple, TSMC, Samsung In Focus

<p>President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that his administration will introduce tariffs on semiconductor imports from companies that fail to move production to the US.</p>
<p>The declaration came ahead of a high-profile dinner with technology industry leaders, signalling his intent to tighten pressure on global firms, reported Reuters.</p>
<h2><strong>Tariffs at the Centre of Trade Policy</strong></h2>
<p>Since returning to &nbsp;office in January, Trump has leaned heavily on tariffs as a tool of foreign policy. His use of duties has unsettled trading partners, triggered volatility in financial markets, and contributed to wider global economic uncertainty.</p>
<p>Speaking to reporters, Trump stated: &ldquo;Yeah, I have discussed it with the people here. Chips and semiconductors &ndash; we will be putting tariffs on companies that aren’t coming in. We will be putting a tariff very shortly.&rdquo; He stopped short of specifying the rate or exact timing.</p>
<p>He added that the levies would be &ldquo;fairly substantial&rdquo; but clarified that companies building or planning to establish facilities in the US would not face tariffs. &ldquo;If they are not coming in, there is a tariff,&rdquo; he reiterated.</p>
<h2><strong>Apple and Tech Giants in Focus</strong></h2>
<p>During the dinner, Trump singled out Apple CEO Tim Cook, saying: &ldquo;Like, I would say Tim Cook would be in pretty good shape.&rdquo; Apple has recently pledged to raise its US investment to $600 billion over the next four years, a move that aligns it with Trump&rsquo;s push for domestic manufacturing.</p>
<p>Last month, Trump indicated that the administration was considering a 100 per cent tariff on imported semiconductors. However, exemptions would apply to firms already producing in the US or those committed to doing so.</p>
<p>Taiwan&rsquo;s TSMC and South Korea&rsquo;s Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have already announced substantial investments in semiconductor facilities in the US, highlighting how global players are responding to Washington&rsquo;s stance.</p>
<h2><strong>Legal Challenges Loom</strong></h2>
<p>Trump&rsquo;s reliance on tariffs has faced resistance in US courts. Many of his existing levies, implemented under a 1977 emergency law, were recently overturned by a lower court. His administration has petitioned the Supreme Court to preserve the sweeping tariff powers, underscoring the legal and political battles surrounding his economic strategy.</p>
<p>For now, the planned semiconductor tariffs underline Trump&rsquo;s determination to reshape supply chains in favour of domestic production, even as critics warn of further disruption to global trade and technology markets.</p>