Trump to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from firms not manufacturing in US

US President Donald Trump said on September 4 that his administration would impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from companies that do not shift production to the United States. He made the remarks ahead of a dinner with chief executives of major technology firms.

“Yeah, I have discussed it with the people here. Chips and semiconductors – we will be putting tariffs on companies that aren’t coming in. We will be putting a tariff very shortly,” Trump told reporters, without specifying a timeline or rate, Caliber.Az reports per Reuters.

The president stressed that companies with existing or planned US operations would be exempt from the measures.

“We will be putting a very substantial tariff, not that high, but fairly substantial tariff with the understanding that if they come into the country, if they are coming in, building, planning to come in, there will not be a tariff,” he said.

Trump has made tariffs a central pillar of his foreign and economic policy, wielding them as leverage to renegotiate trade deals, secure concessions, and exert political pressure. Since returning to office in January, his renewed push for tariffs has unsettled trading partners, rattled financial markets, and added to global economic uncertainty.

“If they are not coming in, there is a tariff,” Trump said, specifically noting Apple’s chief executive. “Like, I would say [Apple CEO] Tim Cook would be in pretty good shape,” he added, as Cook sat across the table.

Last month, Trump announced that the United States would impose tariffs of about 100% on semiconductor imports, while exempting companies already manufacturing in the US or those committed to doing so.

By Sabina Mammadli