Apple’s U.S. Investment and Semiconductor Tariff Exemptions Could Lift Apple-Linked and Chip Stocks

TradingKey - While President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 100% tariff on imported semiconductors initially sparked alarm, analysts say the move may be more symbolic than impactful — especially given the broad exemptions for companies investing in or manufacturing in the U.S. The policy is now seen as a strategic incentive, not a blanket penalty, benefiting key Apple supply chain stocks and major chipmakers.

Tariff Shock, Then Relief

On August 6, Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all semiconductor imports into the United States. However, he added a critical caveat that ccompanies that build or commit to building in America will be exempt.

He specifically highlighted Apple’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing, confirming the tech giant would be shielded from the new tariffs.

On the same day, Apple announced it would add $100 billion to its U.S. investment plan, bringing its total commitment to $600 billion over the next four years. This move triggered a 5% surge in Apple’s stock — its largest single-day gain in nearly three months.

Apple’s “American Manufacturing Program” (AMP) Creates Winners

Apple’s expanded U.S. manufacturing initiative includes partnerships with key suppliers, many of which are now poised to benefit:

• Corning: To receive a $2.5 billion investment for advanced glass production
• GlobalWafers: Will collaborate on silicon wafer production in the U.S.
• Applied Materials: The largest U.S. semiconductor equipment maker, to expand production of chipmaking tools
• Texas Instruments: Expanding chip manufacturing collaboration in Utah and Texas
• Samsung Electronics: Partnering on next-generation chip development and production
• GlobalFoundries: Agreed to co-develop wireless and power management chips
• Amkor Technology: Apple is supporting its Arizona facility for chip testing and packaging
• Coherent: A key supplier of laser and photonic technologies

These companies are not just suppliers — they are now strategic partners in Apple’s U.S. manufacturing push, and investors are pricing in long-term growth.

Broad Exemptions Calm Markets

The tariff exemption extends beyond Apple:

• TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company): Confirmed to be exempt due to its Arizona fabs and U.S. investment commitments
• Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix (South Korea): Also expected to be exempt, given their U.S. manufacturing plans

This widespread relief helped stabilize markets. Despite the shock value of a 100% tariff, the flexibility in implementation has reassured investors.

Even China-listed Apple related stocks (Apple supply chain stocks) gained on the news:

• Foxconn Industrial: Up over 4%
• Lens Technology: Up ~4%
• Luxshare Precision : Up ~4%
• GoerTek: Up 2%

The gains reflect optimism that Apple’s diversified supply chain strategy — including U.S. and India shifts — will protect margins and ensure continuity, indirectly supporting its global suppliers.

Analysts: “More Signal Than Substance”

Bloomberg noted that while the 100% tariff rate far exceeded expectations, the broad exemption framework quickly calmed markets.

Morgan Stanley said the outcome is, in many ways, a relief:

“Yes, 100% tariffs are unpalatable, but if companies are given time to restore them, the real tax is just the higher cost of building chips in the United States.”

Global X ETFs analysts added that Trump’s move is “unlikely to disrupt major supply chains as the policy is not yet in force, and no formal executive order or legal mechanism has been published.