President Trump announced a targeted 20% tariff on Chinese semiconductor imports today, sending shockwaves through the tech industry. The measure, which takes effect August 1, 2025, specifically hits chips used in everything from smartphones to military hardware, potentially disrupting supply chains for Apple, NVIDIA, and other major U.S. tech firms.
Tech stocks plummeted immediately after the announcement, with the NASDAQ dropping 3.2% in afternoon trading. Industry analysts warn the tariffs could delay product launches and increase consumer electronics prices by 8-12% during the holiday season. Chinese officials called the move “a reckless attack on global tech innovation,” while U.S. chipmakers like Intel and Micron saw brief stock surges.
Key Details:
- Effective date: August 1, 2025
- Covers all semiconductor imports from China
- Includes finished chips and wafer components
- Exemption process for “critical infrastructure” to be announced
