Sun Apr 13 13:50:00 UTC 2025: **White House Clarifies Semiconductor Tariff Exemptions**
**Washington, D.C.** – The White House issued a memorandum today clarifying exceptions for semiconductors under a series of executive orders imposing reciprocal tariffs to address the U.S. goods trade deficit. The clarification addresses concerns regarding the application of tariffs on semiconductor imports following the implementation of Executive Order 14257 (April 2, 2025) and subsequent amendments.
The memorandum specifies that semiconductors, as defined by specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) headings and subheadings, are exempt from the ad valorem duties. Any discrepancies between the current HTSUS and the listed exemptions will be rectified, effective April 5th, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Import duties levied on exempt semiconductors after this date will be refunded according to standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures.
The executive orders, aimed at addressing what the President declared a national emergency due to persistent trade deficits, authorized the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative, in consultation with several other cabinet-level officials, to use all powers granted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to implement the tariffs. This memorandum serves to guide the implementation of these orders, ensuring the accurate application of tariff exemptions for semiconductors.
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