ЁЯУН Washington, April 14, 2025 | By OjasviNews Desk
In a move set to disrupt the global tech industry, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs targeting imported semiconductor chips, smartphones, and electronic goods. These changes come amid mounting tensions in the ongoing US-China trade war and follow steep reciprocal tariffs introduced just last week.
тАЬWe want to make our chips and semiconductors in our country,тАЭ Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
The new semiconductor tariffs are expected to roll out within one to two months and are part of a broader national security review of the electronics supply chain.
ЁЯУМ Key Highlights
- Smartphones, computers, and chips to be included in upcoming tariffs
- Reciprocal tariffs on China already increased to 125%
- Trump’s tariff flip-flop rattles Wall Street, S&P 500 down over 10%
- China strengthens trade ties with Vietnam to counteract U.S. pressure
ЁЯТб What’s Changing in U.S. Tariff Policy?
Trump’s administration, through Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, has confirmed that these new duties will fall outside the already high reciprocal tariffs. They will focus on critical technology sectors like:
- Semiconductors
- Smartphones & laptops
- Pharmaceuticals
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Friday issued an official notice outlining the categories temporarily excluded тАФ including some semiconductor components, memory chips, and flat panel displays тАФ a move that confused markets and businesses alike.
Read more about the impact of U.S. tariffs on tech
ЁЯУЙ Market Reaction: Chaos on Wall Street
The sudden policy reversals have created turmoil. Analysts like Sven Henrich of NorthmanTrader and investors such as Bill Ackman have criticized the lack of consistency.
тАЬThere is no tariff policy тАУ only chaos and corruption,тАЭ said Senator Elizabeth Warren in a Sunday interview.
Renowned investor Ray Dalio also voiced concern about the U.S. sliding into recession if tariffs aren’t managed more strategically.
ЁЯМП China Responds: Strengthens Ties With Vietnam
As the U.S. clamps down, ChinaтАЩs President Xi Jinping kicked off a strategic Southeast Asia tour in Vietnam, where he signed more than 40 cooperation agreements to enhance trade and infrastructure links.
Among the highlights:
- Agreements on railway and supply chain development
- Vietnam greenlighting ChinaтАЩs COMAC jets
- Deal with VietJet to lease C909 planes co-operated with Chengdu Airlines
Vietnam, under U.S. pressure, is also tightening controls to ensure that Chinese goods don’t evade tariffs under false тАЬMade in VietnamтАЭ claims.
ЁЯСЙ Explore how Vietnam is emerging as a tech supply chain hub
ЁЯФН Why This Matters for India and Global Tech
This development presents opportunities for India, Malaysia, and Cambodia, all of whom are already negotiating their trade standing with the U.S. amid increasing tariffs.
India could potentially attract foreign investors shifting out of ChinaтАФespecially in semiconductors, AI, and electronics.
ЁЯСЙ Read our recent article: How India Can Win the Semiconductor Race
