How the proposal would work
The Trump administration is weighing a tariff formula that ties import duties for foreign electronic devices to the number of semiconductors inside them, people familiar with the plan say. Under the concept, the Commerce Department would estimate a product’s chip value and levy a percentage-based duty on that portion. Phones, laptops, TVs and smart appliances could be affected, with higher-end, chip-dense models paying more. The goal is to push manufacturing and advanced packaging to the U.S., complementing existing auto and drug tariffs announced this week. Trade lawyers note the approach would be novel, raising questions about valuation methods, disputes over bill-of-materials data, and compliance burdens for importers.
Industry groups warn the rule could lift consumer prices and complicate supply chains just as companies recalibrate around new export controls and domestic incentives. U.S. allies that have struck limited tariff frameworks—such as the EU and Japan—may seek carve-outs or caps, citing existing accords. Retailers would need to reprice quickly, and customs brokers would require guidance on documentation and audits. Any policy would likely face court challenges over statutory authority and consistency with WTO commitments.

What it means for tech and consumers
If enacted, a chip-count tariff could advantage simpler devices and penalize premium tiers, narrowing price gaps between entry and flagship models. U.S. chipmakers might benefit if domestic content is favored, though many rely on global fabs. For consumers, the near-term effect would likely be higher prices on top-shelf phones and PCs; for brands, more aggressive U.S. assembly and re-design to reduce taxable chip content. Analysts will watch for trial runs, Federal Register notices, and interagency reviews that could refine thresholds or exempt critical medical and accessibility devices. Until final text appears, companies will model scenarios—by product line and chip BOM—to gauge exposure.