Industrial policy stories

Sep 4, 2026

US Commerce Secretary threatens chip tariffs, pressuring South Korea and others to build domestically

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced at the G20 Innovation Ministerial that semiconductor manufacturers must build facilities in the US or face tariffs, creating uncertainty for South Korean chipmakers Samsung and SK hynix who have $41 billion in planned US investments. South Korea confirmed it is in discussions with the US about chip investments amid the tariff concerns.

Sep 4, 20265 sources

Aug 31, 2026

India launches $13.4 billion semiconductor fund with subsidies for chip design and manufacturing

India announced a new $13.4 billion semiconductor fund offering subsidies to chip designers and manufacturers as part of efforts to build a domestic semiconductor industry. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced a Semiconductor Park in Kancheepuram to attract investment in the sector.

Aug 31, 20263 sources

Aug 27, 2026

Kioxia and SanDisk plan over $31 billion investment in Japan memory chip production

Kioxia and SanDisk announced plans to invest more than $31 billion in Japan through 2032 to expand semiconductor production capacity and drive flash memory technology, responding to surging demand for AI memory chips. The investment, contingent on government support, includes plans for a new chip fabrication facility in Iwate Prefecture.

Aug 27, 20266 sources

Aug 24, 2026

US plans 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods before Xi-Trump summit

The U.S. is set to impose an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods over allegations of industrial overcapacity before a planned summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump next month, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Aug 24, 20262 sources

Jul 16, 2026

TSMC to spend $265 billion on US chip manufacturing expansion

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. plans to spend an additional $100 billion to expand US chipmaking capacity, bringing total US investment to $265 billion as part of a deal between Washington and Taipei.

Jul 16, 20261 source

Jul 13, 2026

Samsung Electronics Accelerates Yongin Chip Factory Opening to 2029, Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Operations at the first fabrication plant in South Korea's Yongin Semiconductor Cluster have been moved forward to 2029, one to two years ahead of the original 2030–2031 schedule, driven by surging demand for AI memory chips.

Jul 13, 20269 sources

Jun 29, 2026

South Korea announces over $500 Billion investment in AI and semiconductor manufacturing

South Korean tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plan to invest a combined $518 billion in a new computer chip manufacturing hub to capitalize on surging AI-driven demand. President Lee Jae Myung framed the initiative as critical to securing South Korea's dominance in the AI boom.

Jun 29, 20264 sources

Jun 28, 2026

South Korea Announces $576 Billion AI and Chip Investment Plan Led by Samsung and SK Hynix

South Korea unveiled a massive industrial strategy with over $576 billion in investments from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to build semiconductor manufacturing hubs and AI data centers, aimed at cementing the country's global leadership in chips and artificial intelligence.

Jun 28, 20269 sources

Top claims

▪Under a bilateral agreement struck in 2025, South Korean chipmakers are guaranteed US tariff rates no less favorable than those offered to competitors with equal or larger chip trade volumes.
▪Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have committed more than $41 billion to US semiconductor projects, including Samsung's Taylor, Texas foundry and SK hynix's Lafayette, Indiana packaging facility.
▪Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated on September 2, 2026, at the G20 Innovation Ministerial that he had held no conversations regarding the forthcoming semiconductor tariffs.

People involved

Howard Lutnick Donald Trump Lee Jae Myung Hyunjoo Jin Lee Jae Myung

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