The United States is reconsidering the timing of sweeping semiconductor tariffs previously expected to roll out soon, according to officials and industry figures briefed on internal discussions. The shift suggests a more measured approach toward trade relations with China.
Sources say the hesitation stems from a fear that dramatic tariff escalation could disrupt global supply chains and trigger retaliatory restrictions from Beijing. The semiconductor sector relies heavily on rare earths and materials controlled by Chinese producers.
Despite the pause, tariffs remain under active consideration. Officials involved in the discussions insist that no decision is final until signed off by the administration, and triple-digit rates could still be implemented with little warning.
Publicly, the White House maintains that its policy has not changed. Officials reiterated commitments to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity but declined to specify when tariffs might be imposed or how extensive they would be.
The conversation is unfolding at a politically sensitive moment. New taxes on chip imports could translate into higher consumer prices for electronics-heavy goods, complicating broader inflation concerns and affecting public sentiment ahead of the holiday season.