US govt planning new tariffs on imported chips, tech leaders warn of AI setback

The Trump administration is exploring potential tariffs on imported semiconductors, which might raise prices for various devices, including laptops and gaming consoles.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supports a proposal that connects tariff relief with foreign investment.

However, technology leaders caution that this strategy could threaten the U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and raise consumer costs, as the administration aims to bolster domestic chip manufacturing while maintaining national security.