Trump Targets Semiconductor Imports With 100% Tariffs, National Security Cited

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he plans to impose tariffs of “approximately 100%” on semiconductor imports, a sweeping move that could have profound consequences for the global technology supply chain.

The announcement came during a White House press briefing following a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook. While Trump did not provide an exact timeline or release formal documentation, the proposal falls under the framework of a Section 232 investigation — a process that assesses whether imports threaten U.S. national security.

“We’re looking very seriously at this,” Trump said. “It’s about making sure America controls its own future in critical industries, and semiconductors are absolutely essential to our economy and our defense.”

Part of a Broader Trade Push

The White House is currently reviewing a range of imports under Section 232, a trade authority that has been used in recent years to justify tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. Semiconductors are one of several categories now under scrutiny, alongside pharmaceuticals, critical minerals, commercial aircraft and jet engines, and medium- to heavy-duty trucks and parts.

Trump signaled Tuesday that pharmaceutical imports could face tariffs as high as 250%, with details expected “in the next week or so.” Both chips and medicines are seen as vital to the nation’s economic and strategic stability, particularly after pandemic-era supply disruptions exposed vulnerabilities.

Industry Investments Already Underway

The announcement coincided with a major commitment from Apple. During the Oval Office meeting, Cook said the company would increase its planned U.S. manufacturing investment from $500 billion to $100 billion over the next four years.

Meanwhile, semiconductor producers have been expanding their U.S. footprint. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has committed billions to new facilities in Arizona, and Nvidia recently unveiled plans for additional U.S.-based chip design and production capacity.

These expansions align with the goals of the CHIPS and Science Act, which offers incentives to boost domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Potential Market and Consumer Impacts

A 100% tariff could effectively double the price of imported chips, impacting a broad range of industries — from smartphones and laptops to automobiles, appliances, and defense systems.

While the administration argues this would drive investment in U.S. manufacturing, trade analysts warn it could also increase consumer prices and strain relationships with key trading partners, especially in East Asia.

“The semiconductor supply chain is incredibly globalized,” said a Washington-based trade policy analyst. “A sudden doubling of import costs will ripple through electronics manufacturing, auto production, and even cloud computing infrastructure.”

National Security at the Forefront

The Section 232 approach frames semiconductors not just as an economic resource, but as a national security asset. The chips power everything from advanced weapons systems to artificial intelligence applications, making supply stability a critical concern for the Pentagon and policymakers.

Past Section 232 tariffs have been controversial, with critics arguing they invite retaliatory measures from trade partners. Supporters say the measures are necessary to safeguard industries vital to defense and technological leadership.

What’s Next?

Trump’s remarks suggest an official announcement could come within days or weeks, though the timing remains uncertain. Once the investigation concludes, the White House could move quickly to implement tariffs — or adjust them depending on negotiations with allies and industry stakeholders.

For now, businesses that rely on imported chips are watching closely, weighing the possibility of reshoring production, stockpiling inventory, or adjusting product prices ahead of potential cost increases.

Originally reported by Phillip Neuffer in Construction Dive.