US Section 232 tariff on semiconductors and equipment
A US Section 232 proclamation of January 14, 2026 (effective January 15, 2026) sets a 25% tariff on specifically covered advanced semiconductors, manufacturing equipment and derivatives, with use-based exclusions. Certain Chinese-origin lines also face separate Section 301 tariffs. Confirm coverage rather than assuming every chip is hit.
Not sure whether this affects your product?
Pilot checks your exact product against this measure, then takes you straight to duty, landed cost and margin — using official sources, never an invented rate.
What changed
- A Section 232 proclamation dated January 14, 2026 imposes a 25% tariff on specifically covered advanced semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and their derivative products, effective January 15, 2026.
- Coverage is limited to listed products, and use-based exclusions apply — it is not a tariff on every semiconductor.
- Separately, some Chinese-origin semiconductor HTS lines already carry Section 301 tariffs under a different legal track.
When it applies
The Section 232 tariff applies at import entry for covered products from January 15, 2026. Any Section 301 exposure applies at entry for listed Chinese-origin lines. Read the proclamation and the USTR lists for the operative scope and dates for your line.
- Announced
- Jan 14, 2026
- Effective
- Jan 15, 2026
Which imports may be affected
- Specifically covered advanced semiconductor devices, manufacturing equipment and derivative products named in the proclamation.
- Chinese-origin semiconductor lines already on a Section 301 list carry that additional tariff as well.
- Use-based exclusions can remove coverage for particular applications — verify against the official text.
Exclusions and limits
- Only specifically covered products are within the Section 232 measure; unlisted products are not.
- Use-based exclusions apply for defined end-uses — confirm eligibility in the proclamation.
- Section 301 coverage is line- and origin-specific with time-limited exclusions, and is assessed separately.
The Section 232 proclamation covers specifically listed advanced semiconductors, manufacturing equipment and derivative products; it is not a tariff on every chip. Use-based exclusions apply. Separately, some Chinese-origin semiconductor lines already carry Section 301 tariffs — a different track with its own scope.
Information you will need
- Whether the product is a covered chip, covered equipment, a derivative, or an unlisted downstream product.
- The end-use, in case a use-based exclusion applies.
- Country of origin (China Section 301 exposure is treated separately) and a description precise enough to identify the HTS line.
Effect on cost and margin
- A covered product carries the 25% Section 232 tariff on top of base duty, raising duty and landed cost.
- A Chinese-origin line may carry Section 301 duty in addition — model both tracks where relevant.
- An unlisted product or a valid use-based exclusion means the Section 232 tariff does not apply — do not assume it.
Illustrative only — coverage is product-specific
| Product | A covered advanced semiconductor device |
|---|---|
| Base duty | The ordinary HTS rate for the line |
| Section 232 | 25% where the product is specifically covered and no use-based exclusion applies |
| Section 301 | Additional tariff only if Chinese origin and line is listed |
Confirm covered-product status and any use-based exclusion in the January 14, 2026 proclamation, and check Section 301 list status separately.
What you must verify
Confirm whether your exact product is a specifically covered advanced semiconductor, equipment or derivative under the proclamation, whether a use-based exclusion applies, and separately whether your HTS line carries a Section 301 tariff for Chinese origin.
- The January 14, 2026 Section 232 semiconductors proclamation, its covered-product/derivative annexes and use-based exclusions.
- The Section 301 product lists for any Chinese-origin semiconductor lines.
- Your exact HTS line and base rate on the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Official sources
We do not publish tariff rates, dates or product lists ourselves. Confirm everything on the official sources below before you price or file.
- White House — Proclamation: Adjusting Imports of Semiconductors, Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment and Their Derivative Products (Jan 14, 2026)
- U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security — Section 232 Investigations
- USTR — Section 301 China: current product lists, exclusions and Federal Register notices
- USITC — Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Check this against your own product
Describe your product to Pilot. It works out the likely classification, tells you whether this measure may be relevant, and moves straight into your duty, landed cost and margin — so you get a decision, not just news.