Did the U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Imports Affect U.S. Consumer Prices on Semiconductor-Related Products?

Ryan V. Le
Dr. Xiaofen Chen , Faculty Mentor

This study examines whether U.S. tariffs on semiconductor imports from China led to higher consumer prices. Using monthly data and a time-series regression model, I incorporated variables like tariff rates, exchange rates, import prices, and industrial production. The results show that tariffs do not affect consumer prices. Instead, there is a delay of about two months before prices adjust. I also find that tariff pass-through in 2025 is weaker than in 2018–2019, possibly due to changes in supply chains, policies like the CHIPS Act. Overall, the results suggest that tariffs have a small and delayed effect on consumer prices, while factors like exchange rates and global prices play a bigger role in the short run.

Keywords: econometrics , policy analysis , macroeconomics, international trade , industrial organization , supply chain strategies

Topic(s):Economics
Political Science
Business Administration

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA