U.S. Semiconductor Industry Update: September 27–29, 2025

Over the past three days, semiconductor news in the United States has centered on policy proposals, strategic moves by Intel, and ongoing debates about tariffs and domestic production. Together, these stories show how politics, partnerships, and global supply chains are intersecting at a critical moment for the industry.

The Trump administration floated several new trade measures aimed at reshaping chip supply chains. One idea under review is a 25 percent tariff on imported devices, prorated to the number of chips they contain, with slightly lower rates for imports from allies like Japan and the European Union. Another proposal is the so-called “1:1 chip production rule,” which would require companies to manufacture domestically the same number of chips they import or else face tariffs that could rise as high as 100 percent.

At the same time, the White House has resisted calls for even stricter export restrictions on advanced chips. Officials argue that forcing companies to prioritize domestic sales over exports could backfire, and instead emphasize a balanced strategy that maintains U.S. competitiveness while addressing national security concerns.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick also promoted a “50-50” production model, urging Taiwan to co-produce half the chips destined for the U.S. market domestically. The proposal is being framed as a way to reduce overreliance on Taiwanese manufacturing without severing existing partnerships.

Intel has been at the center of much of the week’s news. Reports confirmed the company is actively courting outside investment and partnerships as part of its turnaround plan. Intel has approached TSMC for potential collaboration and has also been in discussions with Apple. These moves come as Intel seeks to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing base and reassure investors of its relevance in a landscape dominated by Nvidia and other rivals.

While speculation of a major Intel-TSMC tie-up sparked headlines, TSMC has since dismissed the partnership rumors. Nonetheless, Intel’s stock saw a lift during the week, rising on optimism around reshoring policies and the possibility of government support. Nvidia’s existing five billion dollar stake in Intel was also highlighted as evidence of stronger ties between AI chipmakers and traditional foundries.

The proposals around tariffs and the “1:1 rule” underscore how U.S. policymakers are trying to hardwire domestic capacity into global supply chains, even if it means creating friction with allies and raising costs for downstream industries. For chipmakers, this environment presents both opportunity and uncertainty: aligning with government policy could unlock incentives, while failure to adapt might invite penalties.

For Intel, the week highlighted both its challenges and its strategic importance. Efforts to draw investment from TSMC and Apple show how much it depends on partnerships to regain ground. Even if the most ambitious ideas, such as the “1:1 rule,” never fully materialize, the direction of policy is clear: Washington wants more chips made in America, and companies that align with this push are likely to benefit.

Apple

Intel

TSMC

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