U.S. President Donald Trump said he would impose about 100% tariffs on semiconductors on the 6th (local time).
On that day, Trump announced Apple's U.S. facility investment plan in an event at the White House Oval Office, stating, "We will impose about 100% tariffs on semiconductors."
He noted, "This is a very big announcement," adding, "If a company has promised to build (semiconductor factories in the U.S.) or is in the process of construction, many people have said that there are no tariffs like that."
Trump also said, "Many corporations are quickly moving from other regions to the U.S.," and added, "We will not impose tariffs on corporations that are producing or have promised to produce in the U.S., regardless of employment or production scale."
He further emphasized that he would impose 100% tariffs on imported semiconductors, stating, "For whatever reason, if you say you're in the process of (building facilities) and later change your mind about it, the accumulated amount will be billed later. That money must be paid."
Semiconductors, along with automobiles, are Korea's main export items to the U.S. For this reason, the tariffs on semiconductor items are expected to have a significant impact on Korea as well. The Korean government has claimed it was promised "most-favored-nation treatment" regarding semiconductor tariffs in the U.S.-Korea trade agreement finalized on the 30th of last month.