• Trump to impose tariffs on semiconductor imports not produced in the U.S.
• Targeted firms could face "fairly substantial" tariffs soon.
• Apple committed $600 billion to domestic investment to avoid tariffs.

President Donald Trump announced that his administration will impose tariffs on semiconductor imports from companies that do not shift production to the U.S., highlighting the move during a dinner with tech industry executives. "We will be putting a tariff very shortly," Trump stated, although he did not specify the exact rates or timelines. He emphasized, "If they are not coming in, there is a tariff," indicating that companies like Apple, which are investing domestically, will be exempt from these tariffs, according to Reuters and South China Morning Post.

Trump described the tariffs as "fairly substantial" but reassured that companies committed to manufacturing in the U.S. would not face these penalties. His remarks come as part of a broader strategy to leverage tariffs as a means of exerting political pressure and renegotiating trade deals. He stated, "We will be putting a very substantial tariff, not that high, but fairly substantial tariff," reinforcing his position on international trade policy according to India Times and India Times.

Apple CEO Tim Cook was present at the dinner and announced a massive commitment of $600 billion toward U.S. investments over the next four years, a move aimed at preemptively avoiding the upcoming tariffs. Cook acknowledged Trump's influence on creating favorable conditions for Apple’s growth, which includes plans to increase production in the U.S. significantly. This strategy aligns with Trump's preference for domestic manufacturing and recent calls for companies to bolster their U.S. operations, as noted by Reuters, South China Morning Post, and India Times.