The United States may delay implementing semiconductor tariffs long promoted by Donald Trump as advisers warn of potential disruptions to delicate US-China relations.
Sources say stakeholders across government and industry have been briefed on a more cautious timeline. Rare earth dependencies remain a major vulnerability for US manufacturing.
Though tariffs up to 100% are still in consideration, insider discussions indicate the administration does not want to risk a retaliation spiral with China.
Officials publicly reject claims of policy change. However, without a defined timeline, industry analysts believe a slowdown is already underway.
Consumer inflation remains a major concern. Tariffs could raise prices for electronics and devices that require semiconductor components.
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