Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Nov 19: Senior officials in the administration of US President Donald Trump have privately indicated that the White House may delay imposing new semiconductor tariffs, despite earlier promises of swift action, according to a report released Thursday.

Reuters, citing multiple unnamed sources, reported that administration officials recently conveyed to both government and industry stakeholders that the proposed sector-specific tariffs may not be rolled out soon. The hesitation reportedly stems from concerns that additional duties could further provoke China and fuel worries about rising consumer prices, Yonhap news agency noted.

Two individuals familiar with the discussions said Trump’s aides are proceeding cautiously, seeking to avoid igniting another round of US–China trade tensions. However, both a White House official and a spokesperson from the US Commerce Department denied any change in the administration’s stance, insisting the tariff plan remains intact.

Trump had previously stated on August 6 that he intended to impose a 100 percent tariff on semiconductors, a move closely monitored by South Korea’s technology giants Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Later, on August 15, he suggested that the announcement would come “sometime next week, or the week after,” signalling that the decision was imminent. Months later, a formal rollout date has yet to be confirmed.

A recently published US–South Korea joint fact sheet on trade and security indicated that Washington would provide Seoul with semiconductor tariff conditions “no less favourable” than those granted to any other major chip-trading partner.

President Trump has invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 as the legal foundation for the proposed industry-specific tariffs — a provision allowing the president to adjust imports deemed harmful to national security. The timing and scope of the tariffs, however, remain uncertain as deliberations continue.