Are U.S. semiconductor tariffs coming? The results of the chip import investigation will be announced in two weeks
According to reports, Trump stated that the EU is avoiding chip tariffs through "better methods," and mentioned that many companies will invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. to evade the impact of tariffs. Barclays noted in a previous research report that the timeline for the imposition of semiconductor tariffs has become basically clear: it is most likely to be implemented after mid-August, and no later than September
The Trump administration will announce the results of the national security investigation into semiconductor imports within two weeks, raising expectations for semiconductor tariffs.
On July 27, according to media reports, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced on the 27th local time that the Trump administration will announce the results of the national security investigation into semiconductor imports within two weeks. This statement has raised market concerns about the imminent introduction of a new round of chip tariffs.
According to a previous report by Global Times, on April 13, Trump announced a national security trade investigation into the semiconductor industry. He stated on social media: "In the upcoming national security trade investigation, we will focus on semiconductors and the entire electronic supply chain."
This investigation, based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, could lay the groundwork for imposing new tariffs on chip imports. The Trump administration has repeatedly used such trade investigation tools to implement tariff measures across multiple industries.
According to previous news from Wind Trading Platform, Barclays stated in a research report that the time window for imposing semiconductor tariffs under Section 232 in the U.S. has become clear: it is most likely to be implemented after mid-August, but no later than September.
Trump: EU Avoids Chip Tariffs in a "Better Way"
Trump stated that many companies will invest in semiconductor manufacturing in the U.S. to avoid the impact of new tariffs. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has avoided the upcoming chip tariffs through a "better way."
At the same time, Lutnick also stated that this investigation is one of the "key reasons" why the EU seeks to negotiate a broader trade agreement to "solve all problems at once."
According to CCTV News, on July 27 local time, President Trump stated that the U.S. has reached a tariff agreement with the EU at a rate of 15%. The EU will increase its investment in the U.S. by $600 billion and will purchase U.S. military equipment and $750 billion worth of U.S. energy products, while maintaining the status quo on steel and aluminum tariffs. The U.S. will invest significant effort in the semiconductor sector.
According to Global Times, the Trump administration stated in April this year that it is investigating whether the extensive reliance on foreign pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports constitutes a national security threat. The Trump administration has also launched separate investigations into copper and lumber imports under the same law.
Recent media reports indicate that the early investigations completed during Trump's first term laid the groundwork for the 25% tariffs on the steel, aluminum, and automotive industries introduced after he returned to the White House in January this year
