With a clear focus on industrial strategy, Donald Trump imposes a 25% tariff on Nvidia AI chips to incentivize domestic production. The executive order targets high-end processors like the Nvidia H200 and AMD MI325X. It is based on the finding that the U.S.’s 90% reliance on foreign chips is a national security threat.
The administration has structured the tariff to avoid harming U.S. innovation. Chips imported for use in U.S. data centers, startups, and consumer goods are exempt from the duty. This ensures that the immediate costs of the policy are not borne by the American companies that are driving the growth of the AI sector.
Instead, the tariff targets the global supply chain. Chips made in Taiwan for Chinese customers must now detour through the U.S. for testing, a process that triggers the 25% tax. This increases the cost of doing business for foreign competitors while generating revenue for the U.S. government.
The ultimate goal is to shift manufacturing back to the U.S. The administration argues that the current situation, where only 10% of chips are made domestically, is unsustainable. The tariffs are intended to make the U.S. a more attractive location for future investment by increasing the costs associated with offshore production.
Market reaction was mild, with slight dips in relevant stocks. The administration has warned that broader tariffs could be imposed if the industry does not take steps to increase domestic capacity. The Commerce Secretary’s power to adjust exemptions adds another layer of leverage to the policy.