Trump Administration Exempts Key Tech Devices from New Tariffs
President Donald Trump’s administration has granted exemptions on tariffs for smartphones, computers, and other key electronic devices, including those subjected to a steep 125% levy on Chinese imports. According to a notice issued by US Customs and Border Protection, these items will be excluded not only from Trump’s broader 10% global tariff but also from the more severe tariffs specifically targeting Chinese goods.
This exemption marks a significant shift in the administration’s trade policy, particularly its aggressive stance on China. Industry experts are calling the move a potential turning point. Dan Ives, a prominent tech analyst at Wedbush Securities, described the decision as a “game-changer” for the technology sector, emphasizing the relief it brings to major tech firms such as Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft.
The decision followed concerns raised by US technology companies that the tariffs would drastically increase the prices of popular electronics, most of which are manufactured in China. Analysts had warned that if passed on to consumers, the cost of items like iPhones could have tripled. With nearly 80% of iPhones destined for the US market made in China, such price hikes would have had a significant impact. The remaining 20% are assembled in India, where Apple has recently expanded its manufacturing operations to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on China.
In addition to smartphones and laptops, the exemptions—retroactively applied from April 5—also cover semiconductors, solar panels, and memory cards. These exemptions aim to ease the burden on US companies and give them time to shift their manufacturing operations to domestic locations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that President Trump remains committed to reducing America’s dependence on China for critical technologies. She emphasized that the tariff exclusions are part of a broader strategy to encourage companies to “onshore” production and bolster the domestic tech industry.
However, despite the exemptions, these electronics will still be affected by a separate 20% tariff tied to China’s alleged role in the fentanyl crisis. Trump, who is currently at his Florida residence, reaffirmed his stance on maintaining high tariffs on China, citing it as a necessary pressure tactic to bring about better trade deals.
Earlier in the week, Trump announced a 90-day delay on new global tariffs—excluding China—as a strategic move to push other nations into more favorable negotiations. Countries that have not retaliated with their own tariffs will face only a 10% duty until July.
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