CIMB Securities warns that the U.S. potential 100% tariff on semiconductors could harm Malaysia's technology sector, though exemptions may apply to multinational corporations (MNCs) like Apple. The analysis highlights risks to Malaysia's $14.31 billion semiconductor exports to the U.S., with potential short-term demand boosts followed by long-term slowdowns. Exemptions for U.S.-based firms and MNCs could mitigate some impacts, but tariffs could delay investments and disrupt supply chains.

Apple has increased its U.S. investment plans to $600 billion over four years, up from $500 billion, amid concerns over tariffs and geopolitical tensions. The company launched the American Manufacturing Program (AMP), expanded relationships with 10 U.S. suppliers, and pledged to hire 20,000 U.S. workers in R&D, software, AI, and chip engineering. JPMorgan praised Apple's strategy for managing uncertainty related to tariff risks.

Samsung Electronics Co. will produce chips for Apple Inc. at its US semiconductor manufacturing facilities, part of Apple's American Manufacturing Program (AMP) aimed at reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. The partnership comes amid potential US tariffs on chip imports, with Samsung also securing a $16.5 billion deal with Tesla Inc. The collaboration could help Samsung mitigate tariff risks while expanding its domestic production footprint.

Global technology stocks rose following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a $100 billion investment pledge by Apple to U.S. manufacturing, which partially exempted industry heavyweights from potential 100% tariffs on chips and semiconductors. Apple's investment could help it avoid tariffs on iPhones, while semiconductor manufacturers like Applied Materials and Texas Instruments saw gains. TSMC and Samsung also saw price increases, though South Korea and Malaysia expressed concerns over potential tariffs.

Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump announced a $100 billion investment plan to shift Apple's supply chain to the United States, part of a broader $500 billion commitment over four years. The plan includes manufacturing glass components for iPhones and Apple Watches in the U.S., a server facility in Houston, and a manufacturing academy in Detroit. The announcement comes amid ongoing tariff negotiations and efforts to counter U.S. import duties on foreign chips and semiconductors.