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Trump Announces Proposed 100% Tariff on Imported Semiconductors, With Exemptions for U.S.-Based Manufacturers

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President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a roughly 100% tariff on imported semiconductor chips, aiming to incentivize companies to manufacture in the United States. However, firms that have committed to or are already producing chips on U.S. soil—such as Apple, which pledged an additional $100 billion investment in America—would be exempt from the tariff.

Trump warned that companies making false commitments to build U.S. factories would face retroactive charges if they fail to deliver. His remarks were informal and details on implementation remain unclear, with a formal national security investigation on tariffs expected to conclude by mid-August.

Reactions from the global semiconductor industry and governments varied. South Korea’s trade envoy confirmed that major chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will be exempt under a U.S.-South Korea trade deal. In contrast, officials from the Philippines and Malaysia expressed concern that tariffs would severely harm their industries, risking competitiveness in the U.S. market.

Taiwanese companies, notably TSMC, which have established U.S. manufacturing facilities or partnerships, are expected to avoid significant impact. This benefits key U.S. customers like Nvidia, which plans major investments in American chip production.

Experts note that the tariffs favor large, financially strong firms able to build factories domestically, emphasizing a “survival of the biggest” dynamic. The U.S. government has supported this shift with a $52.7 billion semiconductor subsidy program to boost domestic chip production, which currently accounts for about 12% of global output, down from 40% in 1990.

The European Union has agreed to a 15% tariff on most U.S. exports, including chips, and Japan secured assurances against worse tariffs than other nations on semiconductor products.

Following the announcement, shares of Asian chipmakers with U.S. manufacturing plans rose significantly, reflecting market optimism over tariff exemptions.

South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix Exempt from 100% U.S. Chip Tariffs

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South Korea’s top trade official, Yeo Han-koo, announced that Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix will not face the proposed 100% U.S. tariffs on semiconductor imports, benefiting from favorable tariff terms under a trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea.

This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated plans to impose steep tariffs on semiconductor imports from countries without U.S.-based production commitments. However, companies with active or planned manufacturing facilities in the U.S. would be exempt.

Samsung has invested in two chip fabrication plants in Texas, located in Austin and Taylor, while SK Hynix plans to build an advanced chip packaging and AI R&D facility in Indiana. Analysts suggest that Samsung’s broader U.S. investments and its inclusion in Apple’s supply chain give it a stronger exemption position compared to SK Hynix, whose packaging plant alone might not fully qualify for tariff relief.

Apple recently confirmed that Samsung’s Texas plant will supply chips for its iPhones and other products, further strengthening Samsung’s U.S. manufacturing footprint. Following these developments, Samsung’s shares rose 2.6%, while SK Hynix’s shares gained 0.6%, mirroring broader market trends.

Neither company commented on the tariff discussion.

Samsung unveils slimmer foldable phones to counter Chinese rivals and boost AI leadership

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Samsung Electronics on Wednesday revealed thinner and lighter foldable smartphones as it seeks to defend its premium segment against growing Chinese competition from Huawei and Honor, while Apple has yet to enter this niche market.

Having lost its global smartphone crown to Apple in 2023, Samsung is pushing to regain momentum by integrating AI features into its foldable devices. Mobile President and COO Choi Won-joon highlighted foldables combined with AI as poised to go mainstream, offering users a unique and differentiated experience. Samsung aims to lead in AI-powered smartphones by collaborating with partners like Google, contrasting Apple’s in-house AI approach that has faced delays.

Alongside the foldables, Samsung launched its first smartwatches featuring Google’s AI voice assistant Gemini, which offers personalized recommendations such as running locations.

Samsung’s premium strategy continues amid U.S. tariffs that could raise costs. The new Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 10% lighter and 26% thinner than the Fold 6 and priced 5% higher at $1,999. The Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE offers a more affordable option at $899. The Fold 7 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, while the Flip 7 runs on Samsung’s own Exynos processors.

Analysts say the new models address bulkiness concerns and strengthen Samsung’s premium brand image. However, foldables remain niche with just 1.5% market share globally. Research firm Canalys expects foldable shipments to stay flat or slightly decline in 2025, with Samsung’s foldables accounting for 4% of total phone sales but 16% of sales over $800. Samsung’s dominance is challenged by strong Chinese sales, especially in China.

Samsung will focus foldable sales on the U.S., Europe, and South Korea. The company is also developing a tri-fold phone to launch by year-end, allowing users to fold the device three ways.

To prepare for U.S. tariffs, Samsung accelerated production and shipments destined for the U.S., manufacturing primarily in Vietnam, South Korea, and India. It is also mitigating China’s rare earth export restrictions by diversifying suppliers and increasing internal stockpiles.