US Tech Firms Are Keeping Their Receipts, Just in Case Chip Tariffs Delayed Again
A new twist has emerged in the long-standing saga over US chip tariffs. The Trump administration's threat of broad semiconductor tariffs may be on hold, with sources close to the White House suggesting that President Donald Trump is reconsidering his plans.
For months, tech firms have been bracing themselves for a potential hit from tariffs imposed by the US government. However, it now seems that these tariffs may never come into effect. According to industry insiders, the administration has delayed its plans to impose broad chip tariffs, which would slap a hefty 100% tariff on imports of key components.
The delay is welcome news for tech firms, many of which have been struggling with the prospect of higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the global market. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) estimates that chip tariffs could cost the industry over $1 billion.
While some experts are cautiously optimistic about the delay, others warn that the impact on the industry will still be significant. Without specifying what was incorrect, a White House official disputed reports suggesting that Trump may shift the timeline for announcing semiconductor tariffs.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has been urging Trump to keep chip tariffs simple and focus narrowly on semiconductors and manufacturing equipment critical for national defense. The group also recommends creating high and low-risk categories to avoid harming key US industries.
Meanwhile, the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has warned that broad tariffs would significantly increase input costs for downstream industries, raising costs for consumers while decreasing revenues for domestic semiconductor producers.
As tech firms continue to navigate this uncertain landscape, they are being advised by industry groups to keep their receipts and document all tariff payments. The CTA's vice president of international trade, Ed Brzytwa, told Ars that the group has been advising firms to be prepared for any eventuality, with a view to securing refunds if tariffs are eventually imposed.
For now, tech companies seem relieved by the news that chip tariffs may never come into effect. As one industry expert noted, "business executives have had to contend with over 100 announcements of tariff changes since the beginning of 2025." The prospect of avoiding these changes will undoubtedly be a welcome relief for firms operating in this complex and rapidly changing environment.
However, as we continue to wait and see how the situation unfolds, it's clear that chip tariffs remain a major concern for tech companies. With so much at stake, firms are taking no chances β they're keeping their receipts and preparing for every eventuality. Only time will tell if Trump ultimately decides to impose these tariffs or if they'll remain on hold forever.
A new twist has emerged in the long-standing saga over US chip tariffs. The Trump administration's threat of broad semiconductor tariffs may be on hold, with sources close to the White House suggesting that President Donald Trump is reconsidering his plans.
For months, tech firms have been bracing themselves for a potential hit from tariffs imposed by the US government. However, it now seems that these tariffs may never come into effect. According to industry insiders, the administration has delayed its plans to impose broad chip tariffs, which would slap a hefty 100% tariff on imports of key components.
The delay is welcome news for tech firms, many of which have been struggling with the prospect of higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the global market. The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) estimates that chip tariffs could cost the industry over $1 billion.
While some experts are cautiously optimistic about the delay, others warn that the impact on the industry will still be significant. Without specifying what was incorrect, a White House official disputed reports suggesting that Trump may shift the timeline for announcing semiconductor tariffs.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has been urging Trump to keep chip tariffs simple and focus narrowly on semiconductors and manufacturing equipment critical for national defense. The group also recommends creating high and low-risk categories to avoid harming key US industries.
Meanwhile, the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has warned that broad tariffs would significantly increase input costs for downstream industries, raising costs for consumers while decreasing revenues for domestic semiconductor producers.
As tech firms continue to navigate this uncertain landscape, they are being advised by industry groups to keep their receipts and document all tariff payments. The CTA's vice president of international trade, Ed Brzytwa, told Ars that the group has been advising firms to be prepared for any eventuality, with a view to securing refunds if tariffs are eventually imposed.
For now, tech companies seem relieved by the news that chip tariffs may never come into effect. As one industry expert noted, "business executives have had to contend with over 100 announcements of tariff changes since the beginning of 2025." The prospect of avoiding these changes will undoubtedly be a welcome relief for firms operating in this complex and rapidly changing environment.
However, as we continue to wait and see how the situation unfolds, it's clear that chip tariffs remain a major concern for tech companies. With so much at stake, firms are taking no chances β they're keeping their receipts and preparing for every eventuality. Only time will tell if Trump ultimately decides to impose these tariffs or if they'll remain on hold forever.