Trump New Semiconductor Tariffs : In a move that could reshape the global electronics supply chain, former U.S. President Donald Trump is preparing a fresh wave of tariffs that will directly impact Apple, chipmakers like Nvidia, and a broad swath of consumer tech. Despite initial reports of some electronics dodging the bullet, Trump has made it clear — no one is getting a free pass.
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Trump New Semiconductor Tariffs : Trump’s Tariff Tsunami – Apple, Tech Giants Brace for Semiconductor Crackdown
Apple’s Brief Reprieve Won’t Last
Earlier this month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency issued a list of electronics temporarily exempt from existing tariffs. iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches all made the cut, sparking relief among consumers and investors. But the celebration was short-lived.
Trump took to Truth Social to debunk the idea of exemptions, declaring:
“NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook.’ There was no tariff exception.”
He confirmed that devices are merely being shifted to a different “tariff bucket,” with new semiconductor-specific levies now in the works. These tariffs are part of a broader investigation into the electronics supply chain under the National Security Tariff Investigations.
Semiconductor Focus Could Hit Devices Hard
Trump’s administration has zeroed in on semiconductors — the heart of every modern tech device. With talks of levies in the 20% range or higher, the impact could be massive. From Apple’s A-series chips to Nvidia’s GPUs and Qualcomm’s processors, nearly every device could see a price hike.
Though some big-ticket items like smartphones and laptops received temporary exemptions from reciprocal tariffs, analysts warn this might only delay the inevitable.
Apple Can’t Just “Make It in the USA”
Trump has repeatedly suggested Apple bring iPhone production to the U.S., but experts and industry leaders agree — that’s easier said than done.
“It’s very hard to find skilled labor in the numbers they need,” said Francisco Jeronimo, VP at IDC.
Apple’s supply chain is deeply rooted in Asia, where manufacturing scale, labor availability, and supplier ecosystems are optimized for high-volume production. While Apple has committed to expanding U.S. operations with a $500 billion investment (largely focused on AI servers and education), a U.S.-made iPhone is still out of reach.
Small Tech, Big Impact
Interestingly, it’s not just flagship products in the crosshairs. Everyday accessories like charging cables, earbuds, power banks, and USB peripherals — often under $50 — are likely to bear the brunt of new tariffs. With razor-thin margins, smaller tech companies may be forced to pass costs directly to consumers.
The removal of the “de minimis exemption,” which previously allowed tax-free imports under $800, is another blow to budget-conscious buyers relying on inexpensive tech from China.
Stockpiling Before the Storm
As the new tariffs loom, companies are racing to frontload shipments. Apple’s suppliers in India reportedly shipped nearly $2 billion worth of iPhones to the U.S. in March alone. PC shipments also jumped 12.6% in Q1 2025, according to Gartner, as vendors rushed to beat the deadline.
Even Nintendo delayed U.S. preorders for the upcoming Switch 2 console to navigate tariff uncertainty — a sign that the entire tech industry is watching closely.
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