The Trump administration is considering tariffs on imported semiconductors to encourage reshoring of chip manufacturing to the United States but has no immediate plans to impose such duties, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer [1, 2]. Greer said at an event for Micron Technology’s plant expansion in Virginia on May 23 that there is no tariff coming "tomorrow or next week" and emphasized the importance of getting the timing and amount right to support reshoring [1, 2].
The Commerce Department declared in January that the US reliance on imported semiconductors poses a national security risk, prompting officials to explore tariffs and offset programs to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains [1]. Following a mid-May meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the administration’s approach on chip tariffs remained unchanged [1].
Micron Technology is investing over US$200 billion in US manufacturing and research and development, including more than US$2 billion for upgrades at its Virginia facility [1]. The investment highlights the industry's push to expand domestic production capacity amid global supply chain concerns.
Greer noted that the administration wants to ensure any tariffs or measures are implemented on "the right timeline and in the right amount" to effectively support domestic manufacturing without unintended consequences [1].
The ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders focus on how to best use import duties as a tool to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the US and reduce reliance on imports [1, 2]. The issue remains a top priority as the government reviews options to strengthen the domestic chip sector.
Officials offered no firm deadlines for potential tariff imposition but indicated that discussions and assessments are continuing this year [1, 2].
