On April 13, 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a 'Section 232' national security investigation into imported semiconductor products, which could result in tariffs of up to 25% or more on related products within the next year. Although previous tariff exemptions on electronic products such as smartphones, computers, and chips provided temporary relief, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross made it clear that these exemptions are temporary, and related products will be included in the new semiconductor tariff scope within one to two months.

This move aims to reduce dependence on chips from East Asian countries (such as Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and China) and promote the development of domestic manufacturing in the United States. However, frequent and uncertain tariff policies have raised widespread concerns in the market. Investors and businesses feel confused by the policy reversals, and critics point out that this strategy may undermine market confidence and increase the risk of economic recession.

In the context of a highly interconnected global technology supply chain, the repeated adjustments to semiconductor tariff policies not only affect the production costs of domestic U.S. companies but may also impact the global technology industry chain. Investors and businesses need to closely monitor policy trends and cautiously assess potential risks.