TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Donald Trump hinted at sweeping 100 percent tariffs Tuesday (Aug. 7) on imported semiconductors and chips, sparing only those manufactured on American soil. The president announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSMC, 台積電), the world's largest contract chipmaker, committed US$200 billion (around NT$5.978 trillion) to expand U.S. production. Trump positioned the dramatic trade measure as essential for strengthening America's technological independence and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Trump explained during an Oval Office interview that the tariff aims to accelerate domestic manufacturing across America. The president highlighted major technology companies including NVIDIA, Apple, SoftBank, IBM, and TSMC for their expanded U.S. investment commitments. Trump specifically noted TSMC's Arizona facility plans, involving US$200 billion in investment, substantially surpassing the previously announced US$165 billion (around NT$4.933 trillion) commitment.
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced at a press conference that his company will invest US$600 billion (around NT$17.934 trillion) in U.S. manufacturing over the next four years. According to the China Times, expert Norman Yin (殷乃平) emphasized that TSMC's investment decisions remain independent of government influence. Yin warned that Trump's tariff policy will drain Taiwan dry, highlighting concerns about the island's economic vulnerability. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.890)