Feng Huang Wang·2025-08-11 01:25Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential impact of President Trump's proposed chip tariffs on the global electronics trade and the challenges in reviving the U.S. high-end chip manufacturing industry [1]. Group 1: Tariff Policy and Company Responses - Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors includes exemptions for companies that commit to manufacturing in the U.S. [1] - Major chip companies have already invested in U.S. production lines, partly due to subsidies from the Biden administration, which may lead them to invest in non-high-end chip manufacturing to qualify for tariff exemptions [2]. - Companies like TSMC and Samsung are making significant investments in U.S. chip factories, with TSMC investing $165 billion and Samsung $40 billion [2]. Group 2: Manufacturing Costs and Technology - The higher manufacturing costs in the U.S. remain a core issue for foreign chip manufacturers, with TSMC projecting a 2-3 percentage point decline in overall gross margins due to increased production costs in the U.S. [3]. - TSMC's U.S. factories utilize older technology (N4 process) compared to its more advanced processes available in Taiwan, indicating a technological gap [3]. - The advanced chip manufacturing sector is dominated by a few companies, including TSMC, Samsung, and Intel, with Intel facing significant challenges and uncertainties [3]. Group 3: Impact on Non-Chip Companies - The chip tariffs may have a more significant impact on electronic companies that do not manufacture chips, as they rely on imported components, leading to potential losses [4]. - Apple successfully obtained tariff exemptions by committing to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over four years, which may not directly correlate with advanced chip manufacturing [4]. - Apple's investments in U.S. manufacturing, including its role as a major customer for TSMC's Arizona factory, do not necessarily drive the growth of the domestic chip industry [4]. Group 4: Non-Tariff Considerations - Despite the tariff implications, chip manufacturers have strong reasons to invest in the U.S., including benefits from the CHIPS Act and geopolitical considerations [5]. - The rising costs associated with tariffs and U.S. production will ultimately be borne by American consumers and various supply chain participants [5]. - Factors such as avoiding supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks are becoming more significant motivators for companies to invest in U.S. chip manufacturing rather than tariffs [6].