The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), based on findings from its Section 301 investigation into China's trade practices, today announced a 25 percent tariff on $34 billion in Chinese goods including many products in the semiconductor supply chain.
Products such as test and inspection equipment and spare parts that enter the U.S. from China will be subject to this tariff, which enters into force on July 6, 2018. About 80 percent of the semiconductor products originally proposed remain on the final list of tariffs.
USTR also has proposed tariffs on more than $16 billion worth of goods including chemicals as well as machines and spare parts that are used to manufacture semiconductor devices, wafers, flat panel displays, and masks, all of which would squarely strike the semiconductor industry. This new proposed list includes products identified by the U.S. government that have particularly benefited from Chinese industrial policies such as “Made in China 2025.” SEMI is set to voice its opposition to these tariffs with written comments and at an upcoming public hearing.
Over the past month, SEMI has submitted written comments and offered testimony on the damaging impact that tariffs would have on the U.S. semiconductor industry. While SEMI strongly supports efforts to better protect valuable intellectual property, we believe that these tariffs will do nothing to address U.S. concerns over China’s trade practices. Instead, the tariffs will harm companies in the semiconductor supply chain by increasing business costs, introducing uncertainty and stifling innovation.
SEMI will continue to engage with lawmakers as the $34 billion in tariffs take effect and the proposed $16 billion in duties remain under consideration. We encourage members to review this list and determine the level, if any, of impact. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Jay Chittooran, Public Policy Manager at SEMI, at [email protected].
