tariffs

On January 14, 2026, President Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 25% tariff on certain semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and their derivatives. This tariff applies to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. EST on January 15, 2026, and will continue indefinitely. The Administration released a fact sheet in conjunction with the proclamation, available here.

Background – 232 Investigation

The proclamation follows a nine-month Section 232 investigation into the effects of imports of semiconductors on the national security of the United States. The investigation, conducted by the Department of Commerce, found that semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and their derivative products are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.

The action is part of a broader Administration effort to create incentives for chipmakers to produce more semiconductors in the U.S. and decrease reliance on foreign chip manufacturers. The proclamation noted that the U.S. only manufactures 10% of the chips it requires and that reliance on foreign manufacturers poses a “significant economic and national ‌security risk.”

Scope – What’s Covered

“Semiconductor articles” covered by the proclamation are defined as imported products meeting certain technical parameters and that are classifiable under HTSUS 8471.50, 8471.80, or 8473.30. To be included within the definition of semiconductor articles, the imported products must be a logic integrated circuit, or an article that contains a logic integrated circuit, that meets certain technical parameters. Full […]