SEALSQ Unaffected by New Tariffs: Semiconductor Exemption Ensures Continuity, Bolstered by Company’s Innovation, U.S. Development Roadmap, and Post-Quantum Compliance
Rhea-AI Summary
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) announced its operations remain unaffected by the Trump administration's new tariffs due to semiconductor exemptions under the current trade policy. The 'Fair and Reciprocal Plan' introduced on April 2, 2025, sets varying tariff rates (10% general, 20% China, 32% Taiwan) but excludes semiconductors.
The company's position is strengthened by its post-quantum semiconductor technology that complies with NIST standards finalized in August 2024. This aligns with Executive Order 14119 from January 15, 2025, mandating post-quantum cryptography for federal systems by 2035.
SEALSQ plans to expand its U.S. presence by opening an Outsourced Semiconductor Personalization & Test center through strategic partnerships and alignment with the CHIPS Act, focusing on programming chips with unique cryptographic keys.
Positive
- Semiconductor exemption from new tariffs ensures business continuity
- Full compliance with NIST post-quantum standards positions company for federal contracts
- Alignment with mandatory post-quantum cryptography requirements creates market opportunity
- Strategic U.S. expansion plans through new test center development
Negative
- Future tariff policy changes could potentially affect operations if semiconductor exemption is removed
Insights
The tariff exemption for semiconductors in the recent U.S. trade policy represents a significant positive development for SEALSQ. While the broader "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" imposes substantial duties (10% generally, 20% on Chinese imports, 32% on Taiwanese goods), the semiconductor carve-out allows SEALSQ to maintain its current operational and cost structure without disruption.
More strategically valuable is SEALSQ's positioning in post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Their technology's compliance with the August 2024 NIST standards is particularly notable as Executive Order 14119 (January 2025) mandates PQC implementation across federal systems. This creates a substantial regulatory-driven market opportunity, effectively transforming SEALSQ's technology from optional security enhancement to legal compliance requirement.
The planned domestic Outsourced Semiconductor Personalization & Test center represents a strategic pivot that aligns with both security concerns and U.S. policy priorities under the CHIPS Act. By programming cryptographic keys domestically, SEALSQ addresses supply chain security anxieties while potentially accessing CHIPS Act incentives.
SEALSQ has effectively leveraged regulatory developments - avoiding negative tariff impacts while capitalizing on PQC mandates - which substantially strengthens their competitive position in the secure semiconductor space.
Executive Order 14119 represents a pivotal shift in U.S. cybersecurity policy with direct benefits for SEALSQ. By mandating post-quantum cryptography across federal systems with a 2035 compliance deadline, the administration has essentially created a guaranteed market for SEALSQ's NIST-compliant technology. This regulatory catalyst carries substantial weight in security-sensitive sectors.
The semiconductor exemption from the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" tariffs reflects the strategic importance of semiconductor technology to U.S. interests. This carve-out maintains SEALSQ's competitive pricing against both domestic and international competitors, preserving market dynamics that might otherwise have been disrupted by asymmetric tariff application.
SEALSQ's plans to establish U.S.-based chip personalization operations demonstrates astute policy alignment. This move resonates with the bipartisan emphasis on domestic semiconductor capacity and supply chain security, potentially positioning SEALSQ to benefit from CHIPS Act incentives while enhancing their credibility with government procurement officials.
The convergence of tariff exemptions, mandatory PQC implementation, and U.S. manufacturing expansion creates a remarkably favorable policy environment for SEALSQ's growth trajectory in regulated industries requiring quantum-resistant security solutions.
Geneva, Switzerland, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) ("SEALSQ" or "Company"), a company that focuses on developing and selling Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software products, today confirmed that its operations are unaffected by the Trump administration’s recently announced tariffs. An exemption on semiconductors under the current trade policy means the Company faces no impact at this stage, while its business is bolstered by the innovation strategy, U.S. development roadmap, and leadership in post-quantum cryptography—which is soon expected to become a legal compliance requirement under a U.S. executive order.
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. administration introduced its “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” setting a
“The exemption on semiconductor tariffs keeps our business running smoothly,” said Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ. “Our clients and partners can rely on uninterrupted access to our technology under the current policy.”
SEALSQ’s leadership extends to innovation.
SEALSQ’s post-quantum semiconductor technology complies fully with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, finalized in August 2024, safeguarding critical systems against quantum computing threats. This aligns with the January 2025 U.S. executive order making post-quantum cryptography mandatory for federal systems, reflecting long-term security as a legal compliance requirement. This positions SEALSQ as a potential partner for industries like defense, healthcare, and infrastructure, where we believe such standards are non-negotiable.
This mandate is driven by Executive Order 14119, “Strengthening and Promoting Innovation in the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” signed on January 15, 2025, and effective immediately. Issued in response to rising cyber threats, including quantum risks, it accelerates federal adoption of PQC following NIST’s 2024 standards, building on earlier directives with a full transition deadline of 2035. It underscores the urgency of quantum-resistant cryptography for national security, a priority SEALSQ’s technology already meets.
Looking ahead, SEALSQ plans to continue investing in U.S.-centric growth.
The company open a domestic Outsourced Semiconductor Personalization & Test center—programming chips with unique cryptographic keys—through strategic partnerships and alignment with initiatives like the CHIPS Act. “Localizing personalization in the U.S. strengthens our independence and security commitment,” added Mr. Moreira. “It also ensures our post-quantum chips meet national priorities, delivering trust and efficiency to our clients.”
With an optimized supply chain, cutting-edge post-quantum technology, and proactive U.S. development strategy, SEALSQ is ideally positioned to continue to provide seamless access to secure semiconductor solutions. As global trade dynamics unfold, the company remains a reliable, forward-thinking partner for its international and U.S. customers.
About SEALSQ:
SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.
SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.
For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning SEALSQ Corp and its businesses. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipates will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include SEALSQ's ability to continue beneficial transactions with material parties, including a limited number of significant customers; market demand and semiconductor industry conditions; and the risks discussed in SEALSQ's filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by SEALSQ with the SEC.
SEALSQ Corp is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
| SEALSQ Corp. Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@sealsq.com | SEALSQ Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 lcati@equityny.com |
FAQ
How does the new U.S. tariff policy affect SEALSQ (LAES) operations?
What is SEALSQ's (LAES) compliance status with NIST post-quantum standards?
When is the deadline for federal systems to transition to post-quantum cryptography under Executive Order 14119?
What are SEALSQ's (LAES) expansion plans in the United States?
