US weighs chip tariffs, no move imminent

May 22, 2026 at 23:14 UTC

2 min read

Semiconductor wafers in a chip fab as US considers tariffs to support domestic chipmaking

Key Points

USTR Jamieson Greer said on May 22 there are no imminent U.S. semiconductor tariffs
Greer stressed tariffs remain a key tool to protect and reshore chip production
The remarks came at Micron’s (MU) memory chip plant expansion event in Virginia
Media reports say the administration is still weighing chip tariffs as part of its industrial strategy

US signals caution on new semiconductor tariffs

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on May 22, 2026 that there were no imminent U.S. tariffs expected to be imposed on semiconductors. Speaking to reporters, he indicated that new levies on imported chips were not expected “tomorrow or next week,” signaling that any change in trade policy toward the sector is not immediate.

Greer’s comments clarify the near‑term outlook for semiconductor trade measures at a time when the industry is closely watching potential policy shifts. While tariffs remain part of the broader toolkit, his remarks suggested the administration is taking a measured approach to potential new duties.

Tariffs framed as strategic policy tool

Greer emphasized that import duties remain an important policy tool to protect the U.S. semiconductor sector and to facilitate reshoring of chip production. He framed tariffs as one option available to support domestic manufacturing rather than as an imminent step.

According to Greer, any tariffs would need to be properly timed and sequenced. He stressed that measures should promote U.S. output and avoid abrupt cost shocks, indicating that the administration is focused on how tariffs interact with ongoing investment and capacity decisions in the chip industry.

Micron expansion underscores domestic chip focus

Greer delivered his remarks at an event marking Micron Technology’s (MU) memory chip plant expansion in northern Virginia, reported as a Micron (MU) plant expansion project in Manassas, Virginia. The setting highlighted the administration’s focus on growing domestic chip production capacity.

Greer delivered his remarks at an event marking Micron Technology’s memory chip plant expansion in northern Virginia, reported as a Micron plant expansion project in Manassas, Virginia. The setting highlighted the administration’s focus on growing domestic chip production capacity.

Administration continues to weigh chip tariffs

Media reports, including Bloomberg, said the administration continues to weigh tariffs on imported semiconductors as part of its industrial strategy. These reports align with Greer’s indication that tariffs remain under consideration even though no immediate action is planned.

The current stance keeps import duties on the table as a potential lever to spur domestic growth in the semiconductor sector. At the same time, officials are signaling caution about the timing of any move, aiming to coordinate policy with industry conditions and investment cycles.

Key Takeaways

U.S. officials are keeping semiconductor tariffs as a strategic option while explicitly ruling out near‑term implementation.
Policy emphasis is shifting toward careful timing and sequencing of any duties so they align with domestic investment and capacity expansion.
Linking Greer’s comments to Micron’s Virginia expansion illustrates how trade measures are being evaluated alongside onshore manufacturing projects.