U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his government is planning a deeper investigation into the electronics supply chain, especially focusing on Chinese chips and other important tech products. According to a report by Reuters, these items will be part of a new national security investigation, which could lead to additional tariffs.
This step could be the next big move in Trump’s ongoing trade actions against China. The new tariffs are expected to affect products like computers, smartphones, and other high-tech imports, many of which were recently given a break from heavy taxes.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed, This Week that companies like Dell and Apple may only enjoy temporary relief. “They are currently exempt from some tariffs, but the new semiconductor tariffs will apply to them, probably in a month or two,” he said. Lutnick added that the government is preparing a new “special focus” tariff policy.
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These upcoming tariffs will be different from the current ones, which have already increased import taxes to 125%. The new focus will be on semiconductors, consumer electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Lutnick stressed the importance of making these products in America, saying, “These are things that we need to be made in America.”
However, Trump’s changing approach to tariffs has drawn criticism from both investors and politicians. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman suggested a 90-day cut in China tariffs to 10% to help companies shift their supply chains smoothly. Market expert Sven Henrich also shared concerns, saying on X (formerly Twitter), “US businesses can’t plan or invest with this constant back and forth.”
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the administration’s approach, calling it chaotic and corrupt. She said, “There is no tariff policy—only chaos.”
Also Read: Relief for India’s Smartphone Industry as US Exempts Electronics from Tariffs
In response to the U.S. actions, China also raised tariffs last Friday. In a poetic statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce said, “The bell on a tiger’s neck can only be untied by the one who tied it,” hinting that the U.S. should resolve the issue it started.
As trade discussions continue, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said there are no current plans for President Trump to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Meanwhile, top investor Ray Dalio warned that these moves could hurt the U.S. economy. “We are very close to a recession—and I’m worried about something even worse,” he said.
