Chip Tariff Rollout Slows as US Officials Fear Disrupting Fragile China Truce

US semiconductor tariffs first teased months ago may now be delayed, sources reveal. Officials appear reluctant to provoke China during a period of tentative stability in bilateral relations.
Multiple individuals briefed on internal conversations say that advisers fear a retaliatory response from China. Supply chains for rare earth minerals — central to chip production — make the US vulnerable to disruption.
Although the administration continues to consider triple-digit tariffs, insiders emphasize that no final decision has been made. Officials say the policy remains technically active.
Publicly, White House and Commerce spokespeople insist there is no change in policy. However, both decline to say when the tariffs will be implemented.
Rising consumer prices add another layer of complexity. Any tariff-linked increase in electronics costs could fuel inflation and undermine political messaging.