White House orders new semiconductor import measures, citing national security and supply-chain dependence

The White House issued a presidential proclamation that sets out a new plan to “adjust imports” of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and related derivative products, arguing that import dependence threatens U.S. national security. The proclamation, dated January 14, 2026, follows a Commerce Department investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act and outlines a two-phase approach that combines negotiations with targeted tariff measures.

In the proclamation, the administration says the Commerce Secretary found semiconductors and key manufacturing tools are being imported “in such quantities and under such circumstances” as to impair national security. The document emphasizes the role of chips across defense systems and critical infrastructure—from communications networks to energy and medical technologies—and states that U.S. production capacity is insufficient to meet domestic demand. It also highlights the increasing importance of advanced chips in artificial intelligence and data center buildouts.

The first phase directs the Commerce Secretary and the U.S. Trade Representative to pursue or continue negotiations with foreign jurisdictions that could strengthen the U.S. semiconductor industry, with a requirement to update the president within 90 days. The proclamation positions the negotiation track as part of a strategy to reduce vulnerability in supply chains without immediately applying maximum restrictions across all imported chip categories.

Alongside the negotiating posture, the proclamation also describes an immediate tariff step: a 25% ad valorem duty on a “very narrow category” of covered advanced computing chips and certain derivative products listed in an annex, with multiple carve-outs designed to protect domestic innovation and investment. According to the proclamation, the duty is effective for goods entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on January 15, 2026, and is intended to incentivize domestic manufacturing while limiting exposure for certain uses.

• A 25% ad valorem duty applies to “Covered Products” as defined in the proclamation’s annex, beginning January 15, 2026.
• The proclamation lists exemptions for imports tied to U.S. data centers, repairs or replacements performed in the United States, and research and development in the United States.
• Other carve-outs include certain uses by startups, non-data center consumer applications, civil industrial applications, and U.S. public sector applications, plus any other uses the Commerce Secretary determines strengthen the U.S. technology supply chain or domestic capacity.

The document frames semiconductors as essential to modern military capability, citing systems such as radar and communications, cybersecurity and electronic warfare, and guidance and control for missiles and drones. It also stresses that disruptions to import-heavy supply chains could strain both industrial and military readiness. This national-security framing is central to the administration’s argument that trade measures are justified even if they raise costs in some parts of the economy.

The proclamation’s longer-term “second phase” anticipates broader tariffs after negotiations conclude, potentially at a “significant” duty rate, alongside a tariff-offset program aimed at providing preferential treatment for companies investing in U.S. semiconductor production and supply chain segments. The approach suggests the administration intends to use both pressure and incentives to accelerate domestic capacity, while attempting to limit unintended consequences for key U.S. users of advanced computing chips.