Trump Administration Eyes Chip-Based Tariffs on Electronic Devices

The Trump administration is weighing a new tariff strategy that could reshape the global electronics and semiconductor industries. According to a Reuters report, the U.S. Commerce Department is considering a plan to tax imported electronic devices based on the number and value of chips they contain. This approach is part of President Donald Trump’s broader push to strengthen domestic chip production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The proposal comes as the White House explores multiple measures to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Last week, The Wall Street Journal revealed discussions about requiring chipmakers to match domestic output with the number of chips their customers import. Earlier this year, Trump announced plans for a 100% tariff on all semiconductor imports, exempting companies with manufacturing facilities in the U.S., though this measure has not yet been enforced.

In line with his broader economic agenda, Trump recently applied similar tariffs to pharmaceutical imports, hoping to incentivize companies to build factories in America. He has also expressed strong national security concerns over U.S. dependence on foreign-made chips. In a bold move, the White House even acquired a 10% stake in Intel to reinforce U.S. chipmaking capacity.

Despite these efforts, experts remain skeptical about whether tariffs can meaningfully expand U.S. production. Chip fabrication is capital-intensive, and domestic chips are likely to cost significantly more than those produced abroad. Tariffs on popular devices, such as smartphones and laptops, could sharply increase consumer prices.

Still, Trump’s pressure is already driving major tech firms to commit to U.S. investments. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, pledged $165 billion toward American facilities. Apple committed $500 billion over four years, while Microsoft plans $80 billion in infrastructure, with more than half allocated to the U.S.

While the administration’s plans could reshape supply chains, the success of chip tariffs will hinge on balancing national security priorities with affordability and global competitiveness.