Trump Says ‘Fairly Substantial’ Chips Tariffs Coming ‘Shortly’

President Donald Trump said he would be imposing tariffs on semiconductor imports “very shortly” but spare goods from companies like Apple Inc. that have pledged to boost their US investments.

“Tim Cook would be in pretty good shape,” Trump said Thursday of the Apple chief executive officer when it comes to the exposure his company might face from import levies, noting its recent investment commitments.

Donald Trump hosts tech leaders in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

Photographer: Will Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg

The president addressed reporters during a dinner at the White House with a rare gathering of top executives and founders from some of the world’s biggest technology companies, including Cook.

“I’ve discussed ...