Trump: "Semiconductor Tariff Rates to Be Announced Next Week... Implementation in the Near Future"

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the 13th (local time) that the implementation of tariffs on semiconductor items is imminent and that the tariff rates will be announced next week.

According to U.S. CNN and other media, President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that tariffs on semiconductors will be "implemented in the very near future."

Donald Trump, President of the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News

President Trump said, "We want to make semiconductors and other products in the United States," and added, "We will announce (the rates) sometime next week." He also mentioned that "there will be some flexibility for certain companies" regarding semiconductor tariffs, but "it's not certain."

Regarding tariffs imposed on iPhones, he said, "They will be announced soon and discussed. We will also talk with companies," adding, "There should be some flexibility. No one should be that strict."

Earlier, President Trump reaffirmed his stance on imposing tariffs by posting on his social media that electronic products, including semiconductors, are not exempt from tariffs. This was in response to speculation that electronic products might be completely exempt from tariffs, expressing his determination to proceed.

Additionally, regarding Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, he reiterated his opposition, saying, "I do not want to see US Steel go to Japan." On Iran, with whom the U.S. recently resumed high-level nuclear talks for the first time in 10 years, he said, "A decision will be made soon."