US Set to Release Findings of Chip Import Investigation in Two Weeks

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The Trump administration is preparing to release the results of a national security investigation into semiconductor imports within the next two weeks, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The probe, which could lead to new tariffs, is focused on reducing U.S. reliance on foreign-manufactured chips, especially those sourced from Taiwan.

Speaking after trade discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Lutnick stated that concerns raised by the semiconductor probe helped drive the European Union to agree to broader trade negotiations with the United States. He also noted that several foreign chipmakers, particularly from Taiwan, have accelerated plans to build production facilities in the U.S. to avoid potential penalties under the forthcoming measures.

The investigation falls under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the federal government to impose tariffs on imports deemed a threat to national security. Similar inquiries are also underway for pharmaceuticals and other critical commodities as part of a broader effort to secure U.S. supply chains.

From a center-right perspective, the administration’s move is seen as a necessary step to safeguard America’s technological and industrial base. Advocates argue that boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing will help insulate the economy from geopolitical shocks, protect intellectual property, and reduce dependency on foreign governments for essential technology. These efforts align with broader national priorities to strengthen economic resilience and promote high-value manufacturing within U.S. borders.

However, critics have warned that if new tariffs are enacted abruptly, they could drive up costs for American manufacturers, disrupt supply chains, and complicate ongoing trade relationships. Industry groups have expressed concern that sudden changes in import policy may impact production timelines for sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, which all rely heavily on advanced semiconductors.

The results of the investigation are expected to influence not just trade policy, but also future foreign direct investment in U.S. chip facilities. Companies evaluating whether to build or expand operations in the U.S. are watching closely, knowing the outcome may shape the business environment for years to come.

As anticipation builds, the coming weeks will reveal whether the administration opts for punitive tariffs or uses the findings as a tool for negotiation. Either way, the move signals a strategic effort to reshape U.S. industrial policy and assert greater control over one of the world’s most critical technologies.