The Trump administration is quietly reconsidering the timing and scope of its planned semiconductor tariffs, taking a more cautious approach amid economic and diplomatic concerns.
Several Trump administration officials are reconsidering the timing of the long-promised semiconductor tariffs, with people familiar with internal discussions indicating that officials have recently begun signalling a slower, more cautious rollout, according to a report by Reuters.
Over the past several days, US officials have quietly told industry representatives and government contacts that the rollout may slip, despite earlier assurances that the tariffs were imminent.
The shift stems primarily from concerns that sweeping duties could trigger a new clash with China, disrupt access to rare-earth minerals, and unsettle tech supply chains.
While the idea of imposing tariffs in the triple digits is still on the table, and could technically move ahead at any moment, Trump’s advisers are weighing the political, economic, and diplomatic implications more carefully than before.
The hesitation comes as US citizens are increasingly sensitive to high prices ahead of the holiday season. New chip tariffs could push up the cost of everyday electronics, and the White House has been evaluating a related proposal that would tax imported devices based on the number of chips they contain.
This reassessment contrasts with Trump’s earlier pledge to impose about 100% tariffs on foreign-made chips and semiconductors, excluding companies that produce or commit to produce in the US.
Official spokespeople have denied any change in policy direction, but the behind-the-scenes discussions suggest ongoing debate. The timing is especially delicate as Trump works to preserve a temporary trade truce with China, reinforced by his recent meeting with President Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed to hold off on escalating their disputes for now.
Earlier, on 16 November 2025, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was hopeful that a US–China trade deal on rare earths could be completed by Thanksgiving. His comments followed last month’s framework agreement, under which the US would hold off on applying full tariffs on Chinese imports.
At the same time, China would postpone introducing an export licensing regime for major rare-earth minerals and magnets.
