Lutnick: Trump gov't considering 'targeted,' thoughtful' tariff policy for semiconductors

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed on Wednesday that the Trump administration is developing a targeted and thoughtful tariff policy specifically for semiconductors, according to a CNBC interview. Lutnick emphasized that companies producing goods in the United States would not be subject to these duties. The administration's plan emerged following a report from Politico last week, which suggested the government was mulling new chip tariffs, despite concerns raised by tech companies that such measures could hinder the U.S.'s prospects in artificial intelligence development.

Lutnick explained the proposed tariff policy, stating, "I think what you re going to see is targeted, thoughtful tariff policy that basically says if you build here, you don t pay, but if you don t build here, expect to pay to enter the greatest market in the world." When asked to confirm the details in Politico's report about linking tariff relief to foreign companies' investments in U.S. chip manufacturing, Lutnick affirmed, "Yeah.

It's exactly right." He further reiterated that the U.S. government would provide tariff relief to businesses that construct production facilities within America.