【Text by Observer Net, Xiong Chaoran】In August this year, US President Trump had once threatened to impose tariffs of about 100% on imported semiconductors, exempting only companies that produce or commit to producing in the United States.

On November 19 local time, Reuters exclusively reported, citing a private statement from a US official, that although this policy was previously seen as a core part of Trump's economic agenda, the US may not soon impose the semiconductor tariffs it had promised. According to two people directly involved in the matter and one person who heard the conversation, US officials have conveyed these messages to stakeholders in the government and private sector in recent days.

The report cited another person following the issue, saying that the Trump administration is taking a "more cautious approach" to avoid angering China. Two other sources said that Trump's advisory team is "cautiously handling" the semiconductor tariff issue because they are trying to avoid conflicts with China on trade issues, to prevent a resumption of trade wars, and even disrupt the flow of key rare earth minerals.

However, these sources also warned that no decision is final before the Trump administration finally approves it, and the US could still impose tariffs as high as three digits at any time.

Local time November 18, 2025, Washington, D.C., USA. Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia met with Trump at the White House. IC Photo

This year, after imposing tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum, and even so-called "reciprocal tariffs," leading to global trade chaos, Trump had once threatened on August 5th that he would focus on key economic areas to reshape global trade, announcing new import tariffs on semiconductor chips and medicines, with proposed tax rates for medicines potentially reaching as high as 250%.

At that time, the American Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) pointed out that 250% was the highest tariff rate threat Trump had made so far. However, this president had repeatedly threatened to increase tariffs in the past but later changed policies, so it cannot be guaranteed that he will ultimately set the medicine tariff rate at 250%.

Until September 25, Trump announced new high tariffs on a variety of imported products, including 100% tariffs on patented medicines. However, semiconductor tariffs were not yet implemented.

Reuters said that when asked about the related discussions, the White House spokesperson and US Department of Commerce officials denied that the Trump administration had adjusted its position.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai insisted: "The Trump administration remains committed to using all executive powers to bring manufacturing crucial to national and economic security back to the United States. Any statements from anonymous sources are fake news." A US Department of Commerce official said: "There has been no change in the Department of Commerce's policy regarding the Section 232 tariffs on semiconductors."

The report noted that despite these statements, neither side specified when the tariffs, which the Trump administration had long threatened to implement, would finally be finalized, nor did they provide any other details.

Reuters pointed out that if the government decides to slow down or reduce the scope of chip tariffs, it is a sensitive timing window for Trump. With the holiday shopping season approaching, American consumers are anxious about rising prices.

Increasing import tariffs on semiconductors could raise consumer costs for electronic products ranging from refrigerators to smartphones. Reuters previously reported that the Trump administration is studying a plan to impose tariffs on foreign electronic devices based on the number of chips in the devices.

Last week, Trump canceled tariffs on more than 200 types of food, but he simultaneously insisted that his import tariffs have not had a significant impact on inflation. Due to the previous shutdown of the US government, the latest consumer price data was delayed, but since President Biden took office, inflation data has remained above the Federal Reserve's target.

Reuters emphasized that in addition to domestic economic issues, Trump is also striving to maintain a "delicate trade truce" with China, which is the main producer of semiconductors and related equipment. The report stated that Trump has always bet on his tariff policies to revive American factory jobs lost due to decades of industrial offshoring to countries like China.

After returning to the White House, Trump still repeatedly threatened to wield the "tariff stick" against China. On October 17 local time, he admitted in a pre-recorded program on Fox Business News that the high tariffs he had previously threatened to restart against China were "not sustainable" (not sustainable).

When talking about relations with China, Trump said: "I think we will get along well with China, but we must reach a fair agreement, it must be fair." That day, he also had lunch with visiting Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the White House, discussing the issue of ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and added: "China wants dialogue, and we also like to dialogue with China."

On October 27, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun presided over a regular press conference. A reporter asked about Sino-US economic and trade consultations. Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese side has already released information about the Sino-US economic and trade consultations. This round of consultations was guided by the important consensus between the leaders of the two countries, and both sides had in-depth, sincere, and constructive exchanges on important economic and trade issues that they were concerned about, and reached a basic consensus on arrangements to resolve each other's concerns. Both sides agreed to further determine specific details and fulfill their respective domestic approval procedures. Specific issues are recommended to be inquired about with the relevant Chinese authorities.

This article is an exclusive work of Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7574599834666156590/

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