Donald Trump’s latest tariff move spares smartphones and computers with exemptions aimed at protecting major US technology companies like Apple. Credits: Shutterstock, Joshu Ascoff
With an astonishing U-turn, the Trump administration has decided to exempt smartphones, laptops and other electronic devices from the latest wave of tariffs on China’s imports.
The exemption confirmed by notifications from US Customs and Border Protection applies not only to previously announced 145% tariffs on Chinese products, but also to Trump’s broader mutual global tariff strategy.
Trump’s tariffs leave major technology imports untouched
Among the biggest beneficiaries of the exemption is Apple, whose iPhone production relies heavily on the assembly line in China. With over 90% of iPhones sold worldwide produced in China, tariffs on such a critical component of Apple’s supply chain will skyrocket costs.
It also spars the range of electronic components that form the backbone of semiconductors, solar cells, memory cards, consumer technology as well as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and data centers.
If tariffs are moving ahead, they could hit hundreds of billions of tech products, causing rising consumer prices and manufacturer headaches.
Marks on April 5th will exempt customs exemptions on high-tech products.
According to US customs, the exemption is already in effect. This applies to products that have entered the United States or released from bonded warehouses after April 5th, and will not be subject to retroactive penalties.
However, the announcement does not end the uncertainty. While high-tech products may have dodged tariff bullets this time, other sectors continue to be affected. And future revisions are not off the table.
But for now, both American tech companies and consumers can breathe a little easier. For at least now, their devices are not maintaining tariffs.
