EU Rebuffs Trump Plan, Sticks to 15% Cap on Chip Tariffs

The European Commission said on Thursday that semiconductor exports from the European Union to the United States will remain subject to a 15% tariff cap set under the bloc’s existing trade rules. A Commission spokesperson added that “the ball is in the U.S. court” regarding a previously discussed joint statement on tariff coordination between Brussels and Washington. The clarification comes a day after President Donald Trump signaled plans for an “approximately 100%” tariff on foreign-made chips, a move that would sharply raise costs for EU manufacturers supplying the U.S. market. By reiterating the 15% ceiling, Brussels signaled it has no intention of matching or accepting the much steeper levy floated by the White House, setting up a potential trade confrontation over a sector critical to both economies.