Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on Overseas Semiconductors Unless Companies Build in US

President TRUMP announced a sweeping 100% tariff on semiconductors manufactured outside the United States, unless companies commit to domestic production. The policy, framed as a national security measure under Section 232, was unveiled during a press event with Apple CEO Tim Cook, who concurrently revealed a $100 billion US investment in research and manufacturing.

"Build here, or face the consequences," Trump declared, emphasizing that companies like Apple would avoid tariffs only if they followed through on US production commitments. The tech industry now braces for potential price increases across consumer electronics, from smartphones to laptops, as the tariffs could disrupt global supply chains.

While Apple appears insulated from immediate impacts, the broader semiconductor market faces uncertainty. The move signals a hardening of Trump's America-first trade policies, with Ripple effects likely to extend beyond traditional manufacturing into technology-dependent sectors.