US Threatens 100% Tariffs on South Korean, Taiwanese Chipmakers Without American Factories
The TRUMP administration is escalating pressure on foreign semiconductor manufacturers to shift production to the United States. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced a stark ultimatum: chipmakers from South Korea and Taiwan must either invest substantially in US facilities or face 100% tariffs on imports.
"Anyone who wants to manufacture memory has two options: They can either pay a 100% tariff or build their operations in America," Lutnick declared during a Micron Technology facility groundbreaking in New York. The policy mirrors recent trade deal provisions with Taiwan, which analysts suggest could Ripple across Asian supply chains.
Exceptions apply only to companies expanding US production. The MOVE follows January 15 tariff incentives for foreign manufacturers establishing American operations, signaling a hardening of industrial policy ahead of potential trade realignments.
