On August 6, 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced that if re-elected, he would implement the 100% import tax on chips and semiconductors manufactured outside the United States. This is part of a “bring chip manufacturing back to America” strategy to control the technology supply chain and reduce dependence on Asia – especially Taiwan, China and South Korea.
Big Exception – Incentives for Businesses Investing in the US
According to Mr. Trump's statement, businesses have invested or are building manufacturing plants in the US will be exempted. apply this tax rate. Apple Corporation was named as a typical example when it just announced an investment 100 billion USD expand domestic production. Apple shares immediately rose nearly 8%, reflecting market confidence in this “production pivot” strategy.
Companies like Nvidia, TSMC, and Samsung, which have factories in Texas and Arizona, are likely to be exempted, opening the door to a reshaping of the global tech supply chain if the tariffs are implemented after the 2025 US election.
Affect?
Although this statement has not been officially issued in writing, it is enough to shock the technology and financial markets. From a legal perspective:
- Tariff policy may be based on trade adjustment powers under US law (Section 301 or IEEPA), but if there is a lack of transparency or non-compliance with procedures, can completely face domestic and international legal disputes.
- The imposition of the 100% tax is a measure very strong, has political leverage, but is also easy to cause trade retaliation from major chip-producing countries such as China, South Korea and Taiwan.
From an economic perspective:
- Global technology companies, without a US base, would bear the cost increase when exporting chips to the US market - which is the world's largest technology consumer market.
- Companies investing in the US will benefit double: tax exemption, just had a chance take market share from taxed competitors.
Recommendations for Vietnamese technology businesses
As a consulting firm for technology and FDI enterprises, DTLaw offers some strategic recommendations:
- Closely monitor legal and administrative developments: Regulations from the USTR, the US Treasury Department, or a federal court will determine the validity of this policy.
- Reassess supply chain and market strategy: If your business has products or services that use chips or export to the US, you need to consider the possibility of increased costs, delays or adjustments to your pricing strategy.
- Consider the possibility of cooperation – investing in the US or forming an alliance with a partner with domestic production to take advantage of exemption policies and avoid legal and commercial risks.
- Transparent communication to investors and partners on the actual impact of businesses in the context of new policies – avoiding negative contagion effects.