President Trump says he will impose a “tariff of approximately 100% on chips and semiconductors”, exempting firms like Apple that “committed to build” in the US

Donald Trump declared plans to slap a 100% tariff on semiconductor imports yet promised to exempt companies …

Bloomberg 2025-08-07

Context & Ripple Effects

The announcement escalates an earlier proposal to begin chip tariffs at 25% or higher and follows a just-days-earlier signal that a new chip measure was imminent. The policy arc has consistently paired import pressure with an inducement to locate production in the US.

Its practical significance is tempered by uncertainty over scope and implementation: same-day related coverage said EU chip exporters would face a 15% tariff ceiling, while the stated exemption turns domestic-build commitments into a central competitive distinction.

First-order effects

Importers of covered chips and semiconductors face the prospect of a sharply higher US duty, while companies such as Apple that can qualify through a US-building commitment are positioned to avoid it.
The exemption makes the definition, timing and enforceability of a qualifying US commitment immediately material to chip buyers and their supply-chain planning.

Second-order effects

Chip suppliers and electronics makers have an incentive to seek US investment commitments or clarify their eligibility, potentially creating different cost positions among firms sourcing similar components.
The policy focus could move beyond chips themselves: related coverage later described consideration of tariffs on electronics based on their chip content, which would widen exposure to device importers if pursued.

Third-order effects

If exemptions remain tied to domestic investment pledges, trade policy could become a more direct tool for steering semiconductor capacity location rather than a uniform border cost.
The pattern points to a more complex, country- and product-specific tariff regime, where negotiated carve-outs may matter as much as headline rates; its durability depends on the eventual rules and enforcement.

The trend: This is part of a shift toward using semiconductor import policy to reward US-based production commitments and reshape electronics supply chains.

Discussion

@dampedspring Andy Constan on x
The only tariffs that will be applied on semiconductors is on Chinese companies. All others will commit to build something.
@stockmktnewz Evan on x
SOUTH KOREA 🇰🇷 SAYS 🇺🇸 100% CHIP TARIFFS WILL NOT APPLY TO SAMSUNG, SK HYNIX
@firstadopter Tae Kim on x
This is why getting info from headlines is a bad idea. Trump said the tariff will be 100% on chips but if you made a commitment to build in USA you are exempt, specifically called out Apple as exempt because Tim Cook was there. Details are unknown on what this means for others
@spencerhakimian Spencer Hakimian on x
*TAIWAN SAYS TSMC IS EXEMPTED FROM THE 100% US CHIPS TARIFF TACO 🌮
@spencerhakimian Spencer Hakimian on x
So to recap. Trump threatened to place 100% tariffs on foreign chips, unless the company importing it “commits” to investing in America. Apple “commits” to $600B of domestic CapEx. And avoids the tariffs. Fake tariff. With an even faker remedy. Unserious people all
@edludlow Ed Ludlow on x
Cook told the president that final iPhone assembly “will be elsewhere for a while,” though highlighted that several components are being made in the US.
r/StockMarket r on reddit
Trump says US to levy 100% tariff on imported chips, but some firms exempt
r/TechHardware r on reddit
Orange Man vows 100% tariff on chips, unless built in the U.S.
r/technology r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up cost of electronics
r/China r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up cost of electronics
r/SMCIDiscussion r on reddit
100% on chips except they build in US
r/hardware r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/Economics r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up price of electronics
r/Uniteagainsttheright r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up cost of electronics
r/wolfspeed r on reddit
100% tariffs on chips produced outside of the United States Announced today
r/politics r on reddit
Trump Eyes 100% Chips Tariff, But 0% for US Investors Like Apple
r/Tariffs r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/soxl r on reddit
Trump announces 100% tariff on chips. Thoughts? Are we cooked?
r/Destiny r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up cost of electronics
r/politics r on reddit
Trump says he plans to put a 100% tariff on computer chips, likely pushing up cost of electronics
r/StockMarket r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/Economics r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/WallStreetbetsELITE r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/politics r on reddit
Trump vows 100% tariff on chips, unless companies are building in the U.S.
r/apple r on reddit
Apple chipmaker TSMC says it too is exempt from US tariffs
@marypcbuk Mary Branscombe on bluesky
Think of a number. Now think of another number... [embedded post]
@wavesblog Simonetta Vezzoso on bluesky
""We look forward to the U.S. implementing this commitment," he said" [embedded post]
@jeannasmialek Jeanna Smialek on x
An EU spokesperson reiterates that the US has committed that its 15% tariff deal applies to cars, pharma and semiconductors. “We look forward to the US implementing, as soon as possible, that commitment,” he adds. ... still waiting on any formal action on those fronts.

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