U.S. President Donald Trump is doubling down on his protectionist trade agenda with plans to introduce a new wave of tariffs targeting the semiconductor industry, in an effort to bring chip manufacturing back to American soil and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
In a CNBC interview on August 5 during Squawk Box, President Trump announced that the White House will soon unveil a distinct tariff policy on semiconductors and microchips, aiming to revitalize domestic production.
“We want chips to be made in the United States,” said President Trump, signaling a move likely to be revealed within the next week or so, though he did not share specific details.
This announcement comes as global demand for chips continues to surge—particularly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles, smartphones, and defense technologies. Today, advanced chips are widely considered the lifeblood of the digital economy.
Much of the world’s most advanced semiconductor production is concentrated in Taiwan, with TSMC supplying industry giants such as Apple, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and AMD. This concentration poses a geopolitical vulnerability for the U.S., especially amid ongoing tensions with China and broader global instability.
President Trump’s announcement comes just days after signing a new executive order imposing additional tariffs on foreign imports. Key developments include:
A 20% tariff on goods from Taiwan starting this week.
The potential implementation of tariffs up to 250% on imported pharmaceuticals, up from a previously discussed cap of 200%, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to protecting domestic healthcare industries.
While Trump’s tariff-driven strategy remains controversial, he remains confident in public support.
“I have the best poll numbers ever—because people love tariffs,” the President asserted.
However, recent polling suggests a more divided public sentiment, especially as voters weigh the short-term costs of tariffs against long-term strategic gains.
President Trump’s latest push to impose tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals underscores his administration’s determination to reindustrialize America, restore technological self-sufficiency, and assert U.S. dominance in critical supply chains.
Still, questions remain: Will these tough measures strengthen America's tech leadership, or could they spark new tensions in global trade and supply chain disruptions?
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