US President Donald Trump has signed two major trade measures under Section 232. The measures aim to secure American supply chains for critical minerals and impose tariffs on certain semiconductor imports.
White House Staff Secretary Will Scharf explained that the first measure follows a trade investigation into critical minerals. It establishes a framework to safeguard the US supply of essential minerals and related products.
The second measure focuses on semiconductors.
Scharf detailed a two-phase process in which certain imported chips will face a 25% tariff.
This levy applies to semiconductors imported into the United States that are not used domestically for artificial intelligence or computing systems.
Semiconductors shipped through the US to other countries will also be subject to the tariff.
Trump said the move would generate revenue, noting that foreign buyers demand these chips, and the US would collect 25 per cent of their value. He described the products as very good, though not the most advanced available.
Trump defended the tariffs as a tool for strengthening national security and reducing trade imbalances.
“Tariffs have brought hundreds of billions of dollars into the country,” he said, citing $18 trillion in investment commitments since his return to office.
The president also claimed that tariffs have helped lower inflation, improve productivity, and provide leverage in trade negotiations.
Highlighting recent manufacturing expansions, he cited new auto plants and investments by major carmakers as evidence of the policy’s effectiveness.
When asked about a Supreme Court case challenging his tariff authority, Trump expressed disbelief that the case exists.
He accused opponents of being ‘very China-centric’ and said a ruling against him would be ‘very disappointing’. He did not specify how the administration would respond if the court were to restrict his powers.
Trump concluded by praising the US economy.
“We’re the hottest country anywhere in the world,” he said, contrasting current growth with what he described as economic weakness before his administration.
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