Trump administration moves to expand tariffs on imported semiconductors

The Trump administration is moving to expand tariffs on imported semiconductors. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed plans for additional tariffs on September 2, 2026. The broader strategy operates under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the same national security provision the administration has used to justify tariffs on steel, aluminum, and a growing list of technology goods. What has happened so far A presidential proclamation dated January 14, 2026 kicked things off with a 25% tariff on select advanced computing chips that were not already supporting US supply chains. The new tariffs Lutnick flagged look broader in scope. Potential targets include servers, laptops, and gaming hardware, categories that were largely sheltered under Phase 1. Fewer exemptions are reportedly on the table this time. There is also a separate but related move on polysilicon. A proclamation from August 6, 2026 established a 15% tariff on polysilicon and its derivatives, with minimum price floors taking effect from December 4, 2026. Companies that commit to building or expanding manufacturing operations in the United States can avoid the duties. Since tariffs began rolling out, US ...