Global technology shares surged on Thursday after the latest developments on tariffs provided relief for the industry. US President Donald Trump announced that he would not impose a 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors from certain companies that have committed to manufacturing in the US or are already doing so.
This announcement prompted a rally in tech stocks worldwide. Apple’s stock jumped by 3.3% in premarket trading following Trump’s statement that the company plans to invest an additional $100 billion in the US. This move could help Apple avoid potential tariffs on its iPhones, offering a significant boost to its prospects.
US-listed chipmakers also saw gains, with major players like AMD, Intel, and Nvidia rising between 1.1% and 2.5%. UBS analysts commented that a significant uncertainty had been lifted, allowing investors to move forward with confidence.
Apple’s partners in the investment effort, including Applied Materials, Texas Instruments, GlobalFoundries, and Broadcom, experienced increases of up to 10.1%. European chip firms such as ASML, ASMI, and BE Semiconductor Industries also joined the rally, each climbing about 3%.
Germany’s Infineon said it couldn’t comment on potential tariffs since no specific details had been released. Its shares increased slightly by 0.6%.
The latest tariff stance appears to exclude Taiwanese chip manufacturer TSMC, which produces chips for many US companies, including Nvidia. TSMC operates factories in the US, and analysts noted that investors remain eager to buy TSMC shares on dips, especially with ongoing interest in artificial intelligence (AI).
TSMC shares closed near 5% higher, hitting new all-time highs. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix also saw gains of around 2.5% and 1.4%, respectively, with South Korea’s top trade envoy confirming that these companies would not face the 100% tariffs.
Samsung has invested in chip fabrication plants in Texas, while SK Hynix plans to expand its AI-focused research and manufacturing facilities in the US. Since taking office in January, Trump has issued multiple tariff threats targeting semiconductors to reshape global supply chains and promote domestic production.
Some countries, like the Philippines and Malaysia, are seeking more details about the tariffs. The Philippines, which exports most of its electronics as semiconductors, warned that the new tariffs could be devastating. Meanwhile, Malaysia has reached out to US officials for clarification on the new tariff plans.