From January 15, 2026, a 25% US tariff targets select AI chips, while broad exemptions and fresh trade talks signal Washington’s push to reshape semiconductor and mineral supply chains.
The United States will introduce a 25% import tariff on a limited set of advanced semiconductors from 15 January 2026. The move follows a proclamation signed by President Donald Trump, targeting select high-performance computing chips.
According to a White House fact sheet, the tariff will apply mainly to advanced processors used for artificial intelligence and data-intensive computing. These include Nvidia’s H200 and AMD’s MI325X chips. The administration said the measure is aimed at addressing strategic vulnerabilities in the semiconductor supply chain.
The order, however, carves out broad exemptions. Chips imported to support the expansion of the US technology supply chain will not face the levy. Semiconductors used for domestic manufacturing, research and development, and data centre construction are also excluded. The exemption extends to non-data-centre consumer applications and certain derivative semiconductor products.
The proclamation further clarifies that the new semiconductor duty will not be added to existing tariffs. This includes the administration’s global reciprocal tariff framework and other levies imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico linked to drug trafficking concerns.
Alongside the tariff decision, the President directed cabinet officials to continue negotiations with key trading partners on semiconductor imports. Officials have been asked to submit an update on these talks and on the data centre semiconductor market by 1 July. Based on those findings, the White House may consider further measures. These could include higher tariffs or a tariff offset scheme designed to encourage domestic chip manufacturing.
In a parallel move, the administration also addressed the processing of critical minerals. In a separate proclamation, Trump ordered officials to pursue trade negotiations to secure supplies of processed critical minerals and related products. The aim is to reduce supply chain risks and strengthen national security.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said resilient critical mineral supply chains remain a priority. He noted that cooperation with partner countries could help build a viable market while boosting domestic capacity.
The actions stem from separate Section 232 investigations led by the Commerce Department. These probes examined whether semiconductor and critical mineral imports pose risks to national security. Similar past investigations have led to tariffs on sectors such as steel and automobiles.
