On July 7, President Trump issued an executive order (EO) extending the ten percent baseline tariff rate through August 1, 2025. In addition, the EO suspends the variable "reciprocal" tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) until August 1. The order applies to nearly all countries except Mexico, Canada, and China. These changes do not impact separate reciprocal tariff actions on China or alter existing Section 232 measures on steel, aluminum, autos, and their derivative products.
At the time of this posting, letters had been sent to 20 trading partners outlining expected tariff rates if no agreement is reached by August 1; bilateral negotiations are ongoing. Eleven of the 21 countries received rate cuts compared to the "Liberation Day" announcements on April 2, ranging from one to 13 percent. President Trump indicated rates could rise around 25 percent if trading partners retaliate.
Next Steps: The extension offers short-term stability for SEMI member companies to assess supply chain exposure. SEMI continues to monitor bilateral trade and tariff policy negotiations, including for discussion related to the semiconductor supply chain. We aim to keep member companies informed of relevant tariff escalations. If your company is directly impacted by a country-specific rate shift, please reach out to your region’s SEMI Global Advocacy contact with any feedback on how these tariffs are affecting your operations.
Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments as well as how your company or organization can get involved.
Scarlett Bickerton, Manager, Federal & State Affairs at SEMI.