Trump's Chip Tariffs: Big Tech Spared, TSMC Pressured for US Investment

• Trump administration plans new semiconductor tariffs, balancing domestic manufacturing push with protecting US AI build-out.
• Proposed system shields major US tech companies (Amazon, Google, Microsoft) from new chip tariffs through a carve-out.
• Exemptions are tied to TSMC's investment commitments in US chip production, including $165 billion for Arizona plants.
• The more TSMC invests in the US, the more tariff exemptions it earns, which can be passed to American customers.
• Strategy aims to reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing and maintain US AI dominance, using tariffs as leverage for domestic investment.