US imposes 25 percent tariff on imports of certain semiconductors

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US imposes 25 percent tariff on imports of certain semiconductors

2026-01-15 16:16 Last Updated At：19:27

The United States announced on Wednesday that it will impose a 25-percent tariff on certain imported semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and related derivative products starting Thursday.

According to a proclamation by U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the website of the White House, he outlined a two-phase plan in light of suggestion from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. In the first phase, Trump said, the United States will continue negotiations with foreign authorities capable of strengthening the U.S. semiconductor industry.

Meanwhile, he said the 25-percent tariff is being applied immediately to a small portion of imported semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and derivatives deemed critical to U.S. artificial intelligence and technology policy.

The proclamation said that once the relevant negotiations are completed, the United States will extend tariffs to a wider range of imported semiconductors at a significant rate during the second phase.

The proclamation also said that Lutnick proposed a tariff-offset mechanism, under which companies that invest in semiconductor production and supply chain within the United States will be eligible for preferential tariff treatment.

In early August 2025, Trump declared that the United States would move to impose 100-percent tariffs on imported semiconductor products.

UNGA President warns global multilateral system "under attack"

The multilateral system is "under attack" amid global turmoil, President of the 80th UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock warned in her remarks on Wednesday.

In her briefing on the priorities for the resumed 80th Session of the General Assembly, the UNGA president noted that the current multilateral system does not collapse all in a sudden, but "crumbles piece by piece" in divisions, compromises, and lack of political commitment.

The president called all the UN member states to defend the UN Charter and international law and promote cross-regional cooperation.

She also urged to push forward the work of the UNGA on certain critical issues with a strong majority, rather than an absolute consensus among all member states. Such act is not a failure of multilateralism, but "an affirmation of it," she said.

The foundational principles of the institution should not be eroded by appeasement, she said, calling the member states to show courage, leadership, and responsibility at the UN's "critical make-or-break moment."

"The UN needs you. Your support, your leadership, your principle, stand, your cross-regional cooperation, if we are to preserve and modernize this institution, if we are to make it, rather than break it," she said.