Prepare for rising prices from tariffs that drive chips, supply chain, security, and the BEAD program to the fore. Here's how to adjust and advance.
In the weeks since President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term, he has issued numerous executive orders and a game plan to return manufacturing to America.
With wingman Elon Musk, and the fledgling Department of Government Efficiency, the president has focused on reduced spending, new tariffs, staff cuts and threats to shutter government agencies.
Here's what those changes might mean for network managers.
In February, President Trump announced the arrival of tariffs on semiconductors, autos and pharmaceuticals.
Enterprises will need to maintain flexible, secure and reliable supply chains going forward. Trump said he plans to apply a minimum 25% tariff on foreign-made chips bought from makers outside the U.S., which he believes will drive the semiconductor industry to migrate to the U.S.
Many companies currently source chips from companies in multiple countries. Those buying chips will likely face higher prices as the tariffs transfer increased costs to enterprises.
It can cost billions to build chip manufacturing facilities, and it takes years before facilities are planned, built and start manufacturing. In response, former President Biden signed the historic and bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act into law two years ago. The act invested $53 billion in funding to bring semiconductor supply chains back to the U.S., create jobs, support American innovation and protect national security.
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