The White House Says Semiconductor Tariffs Under Section 232 Coming Soon

In April 2025, the Secretary of Commerce initiated an investigation to determine the effects of imports of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) and their derivative products on US national security. The notice of request for public comments on the Section 232 investigation of imports of semiconductors and manufacturing equipment closed on May 7, 2025.
In an phone interview with CNBC on August 5, 2025, the POTUS unveiled that tariffs on US importers of semiconductors made outside of America could reach 300% . In August, it was reported that the POTUS could propose a 100% tariff on US importers of semiconductors, but that companies moving manufacturing to the U.S could receive exemptions from import tariffs. The POTUS noted he would set levies on semiconductors in the coming weeks but did not specify details such as whether or not US importers would have to pay tariffs on products containing semiconductors. To date, there is no White House statement on semiconductor tariffs, and whether the exemption of specific companies from tariffs is legal.