Washington, D.C., August 7, 2025 — In a bold move to bolster domestic semiconductor production, U.S. President Donald Trump announced yesterday that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on all imported computer chips and semiconductors. However, the proposed levy would not apply to any company that commits to manufacturing—and investing—in the United States, a carve-out designed to incentivize reshoring of chip production.
Several major global chipmakers have already signaled their intent to benefit from the exemption. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is currently building a new fabrication facility in Arizona, will qualify for the exemption, ensuring that advanced chips supplied to clients such as NVIDIA and Apple remain competitively priced. South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix—both of which are constructing U.S. plants—will likewise be excluded from the proposed duties, allowing Samsung to fulfill its recent $16.6 billion contract to produce next-generation chips for Tesla in Texas without penalty. Domestic giants Intel and NVIDIA have also pledged significant capital expenditures on U.S. soil to secure the exemption.
Just prior to the press briefing, Apple CEO Tim Cook detailed an expanded investment plan that adds $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing commitments on top of the $500 billion already pledged. He highlighted Apple’s partnership with Corning, noting that the glassmaker will ramp up production at its Kentucky facility—boosting its workforce there by 50%—to supply glass for future Apple devices. To underscore Apple’s renewed focus on American production, Cook presented President Trump with a bespoke 24-karat gold–plated Corning crystal sculpture inscribed “President Donald Trump – Apple American Manufacturing Initiative.”
