Trump Imposes 100% Tariff on All Semiconductor Imports

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 100% tariff on foreign-made semiconductors, with exemptions for companies investing in the U.S. The move follows Apple’s $600 billion investment announcement. Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix will be exempt due to their U.S. operations. The tariffs aim to boost domestic production under the CHIPS Act. However, countries like the Philippines, heavily reliant on semiconductor exports, may suffer significant losses. While implementation details remain vague, the tariffs are part of a broader protectionist trade agenda also targeting steel, aluminum, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals, and take effect Thursday.