Trade policy and tariffs have emerged as the foremost concern for U.S. semiconductor companies, displacing talent shortages from the top position for the first time, according to preliminary results from a KPMG survey. The shift reflects growing anxiety about how geopolitical risks and international trade dynamics could impact supply chains and operations in the coming year. This development comes as semiconductor software giants like Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) assess how their major clients might be affected by these evolving challenges.
The survey findings indicate a significant change in industry priorities, with companies now more focused on navigating complex international trade environments than addressing workforce shortages. This reversal suggests that external economic and political factors have become more pressing than internal operational concerns for semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers. The industry's heightened focus on supply chain vulnerabilities underscores the interconnected nature of global semiconductor production and distribution networks.
KPMG's research reveals that semiconductor executives are particularly concerned about how trade restrictions and tariff policies might disrupt their operations and affect their relationships with international partners. These concerns extend beyond immediate financial impacts to include longer-term strategic considerations about supply chain resilience and market access. The survey results highlight how geopolitical tensions have become a central factor in corporate planning and risk assessment for technology companies.
The preliminary findings from the consultancy firm's survey provide insight into how semiconductor industry leaders are adapting their priorities in response to changing global conditions. While talent acquisition and retention remain important challenges, they have been superseded by concerns about maintaining stable supply chains amid uncertain trade policies. This shift in focus reflects the industry's recognition that its global operations are increasingly vulnerable to political and economic developments beyond its direct control. The survey results come as the semiconductor industry continues to play a critical role in powering technological innovation across multiple sectors, making supply chain stability increasingly important for broader economic and technological development.
