Trump is looking for fees on semiconductors to protect national security

US President Donald Trump intends to issue instructions to the Ministry of Trade to start an investigation that could lead to new customs duties at semiconductor technology and claim to protect national security, according to an official of the White House, told the “politico”. This step would pave the way for more tensions between America and large economies in East Asia, such as Taiwan, which is one of the largest electronic chips of the United States, and will also cause wide consequences for major US technology companies dependent on importing these important components. These leaks come hours after the Trump administration released smartphones, computers and other electronic devices from mutual customs duties, and the exemptions included semiconductors, which Trump promises to compile specific definitions of the customs, referring to the possibility of these products being subjected to a different customs. National Security Protection, South Korea, Malaysia and Japan play important roles in the semiconductor supply chain, either in the composition, testing or production. China is the largest consumer market for electronic chips in the world. The investigation takes place under section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expetition Act, which authorizes the president to impose restrictions on imports that are a threat to national security, according to politico, the US official has quoted the US official on condition of anonymity to discuss plans to develop. The official explained that the purpose of the investigation is to revive “US industrialization in the important technological fields”. He pointed out that the Ministry of Trade intends to open the door for public comment, and that this kind of investigation usually lasts up to 270 days, although the White House referred to the possibility of accelerating the schedule. For the past two months, Trump has already launched investigations under Article 232 in the copper and wood sectors, and was based on similar investigations during his first term to expand customs duties on steel and aluminum in March.