On January 15, the White House formally announced the imposition of a 25% ad valorem import tariff on certain imported advanced chips, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and related derivatives. This new tariff measure took effect on January 15.
According to the annex to the Presidential Proclamation, the tariff adjustment primarily targets specific advanced chips, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and related derivatives. Specifically, any product meeting the list's description will face up to 25% additional tariffs upon entering the U.S. market.
This move will undoubtedly have direct and far-reaching impacts on the global semiconductor supply chain, particularly for companies reliant on exporting or importing these products.
For overseas buyers, the most immediate impact lies in rising compliance costs and increased pricing uncertainty. The landed costs for importing chips and equipment designed or manufactured in China but incorporating U.S. technology or intellectual property will significantly increase. These additional costs will necessitate renegotiation and allocation among buyers, Chinese suppliers, and end-users, potentially triggering order delays or revisions in the short term.
Despite these immediate challenges, China's mature semiconductor ecosystem, comprehensive supporting supply chains, and rapid technological responsiveness remain an indispensable component of the global supply chain. For international buyers, the key priority now is maintaining close communication with trusted partners to jointly review product classifications, explore design alternatives, and adopt flexible, professional strategies to navigate evolving trade conditions.