US to Regain Control Over Vital Semiconductor Sector
The United States has decided to take back control of a vital sector: semiconductors. In a statement published on January 14, 2026, the White House announced the introduction of a 25% customs duty on certain imported electronic chips, as well as on the equipment necessary for their manufacture. This tax specifically targets high-performance chips used in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, particularly those from American manufacturers Nvidia (Nvidia H200) and AMD (AMD MI325X).
Official Objective
Officially, the goal is to reduce what is considered an excessive dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen national security. Today, a large part of the chips used by the American economy are produced outside the country, mainly in Asia, even though they have become essential for the operation of data centers, telecommunications networks, artificial intelligence, and defense systems.
Strategic Vulnerability
Washington considers this dependence on foreign chips to be a strategic vulnerability. The tax targets the most advanced chips while leaving exemptions to support research, innovation, and American data centers. The message is clear: producing in the United States is becoming a priority, but the real impact on technological sovereignty and the cost of technologies remains... uncertain.
Recent Developments
It is worth noting that this publication comes on the heels of the authorization granted to American manufacturer Nvidia to export its AI chips to Beijing.
