President Donald Trump announced Sunday that tariffs on semiconductors and other tech-related products are imminent, continuing a trade policy approach focused on encouraging domestic manufacturing.
Trump Signals New Tariffs on Semiconductors Coming Soon
“The tariffs will be in place in the not distant future. Because, as you know, like we did with steel, like we did with automobiles, like we did with aluminum, which are now fully on, we’ll be doing that with semiconductors, with chips and numerous other things,” Trump said while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.
“And that’ll take place in the very near future.”
The former president emphasized that the broader objective is to bring more manufacturing jobs and production capabilities back to the United States.
However, some industry analysts have cautioned that the process of reshoring production could take time and potentially lead to higher prices for consumer electronics.
Flexibility on Tariffs? Trump Leaves Door Open
Asked whether widely used consumer items such as iPhones and tablets might be subject to the new tariffs, Trump suggested he was open to discussions with businesses about possible exemptions.
“You know, you have to show a certain flexibility. Nobody should be so rigid. We have to have a certain flexibility. And we’re doing really well. And financially, our country is going to be stronger than it’s ever been,” he said.
Trump did not go into detail about which products might qualify for this “flexibility,” leaving some uncertainty for manufacturers and retailers alike.
Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a notice late Friday indicating that certain electronics would initially be exempt from “reciprocal” tariffs affecting products from other countries, including China.
Temporary Exemptions Create Policy Questions
While the temporary exemptions might bring short-term relief to consumers and companies like Apple that manufacture products abroad, administration officials made it clear those measures are not permanent.
Trump and others stated Sunday that the items currently exempted would eventually fall under the broader semiconductor tariffs.
This evolving approach has raised questions about the administration’s long-term tariff strategy and its potential market implications.
Still, Trump dismissed concerns about uncertainty or volatility ahead of the next market opening.
“We have a tremendous country,” he said. “We have a country that’s much richer today than it was a few months ago. We have a financial system that’s very respected.”
As the administration prepares to move forward with the new tariffs, businesses and consumers alike are watching closely to see which products will ultimately be affected—and when.
