Trump admin weighs semiconductor tariffs for overseas chips

The Trump administration is reviving its push for targeted semiconductor tariffs, raising pressure on major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK hynix to expand their U.S. production or face duties on chips made overseas. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick outlined the policy on Wednesday, stating that companies manufacturing in the U.S. would receive tariff relief, while those relying on foreign production should expect to pay. "What you're going to see is targeted, thoughtful tariff policy that basically says, if you build here, you don't pay," Lutnick told CNBC. "But if you don't build here, expect to pay to enter the greatest market in the world." He did not disclose specific products, rates, or a timeline for implementation. The remarks revive a tariff threat that has hung over global chipmakers since President Donald Trump began his second term. Washington imposed a 25 percent duty on a narrow group of advanced chips in January but has yet to finalize a broader second phase covering more semiconductor imports. Lutnick said tariff pressure had already helped secure $1.2 trillion in U.S. chip investment commitments, including projects by TSMC and Micron.