Trump Administration Exempts Smartphones and Computers from New Tariffs
The Biden administration has announced key exemptions to the latest round of tariffs, excluding smartphones, computers, and various electronic components from the steep import taxes. This includes the 125% tariffs recently imposed on Chinese goods, as well as the 10% global levy targeting most countries.
According to a notice from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the exemptions apply retroactively from April 5 and cover products like semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards in addition to major consumer electronics.
The decision marks the first major easing of the Trump-era trade war with China. Dan Ives, head of tech research at Wedbush Securities, called the move a “game-changer scenario” for the tech industry. He noted that major companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft are likely to benefit significantly.
President Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One over the weekend, promised more details in the coming days. “We’ll be very specific,” he said. “But we’re taking in a lot of money. As a country we’re taking in a lot of money.”
The exemptions follow warnings from U.S. tech companies that tariffs on Chinese-made devices would sharply raise prices for American consumers. The White House said the move is intended to give companies more time to shift manufacturing back to the U.S.
President Trump has reinforced his stance that the U.S. must reduce reliance on China for producing key technologies like semiconductors, smartphones, and laptops. “America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She added that companies are now accelerating plans to move manufacturing back to the U.S. under the president’s direction.
Though Trump recently exempted electronics like smartphones and laptops from sweeping new tariffs, these products remain subject to a 20% tariff tied to China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking, according to White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.
Trump, spending the weekend at his Florida home, said Friday he was comfortable with the high tariffs on China and optimistic about future outcomes, citing his relationship with President Xi Jinping.
Analysts had warned that without exemptions, iPhone prices in the U.S. could have tripled, given that up to 80% of Apple’s iPhones for the U.S. market are made in China. Apple, like Samsung, has been working to shift its supply chain, with India and Vietnam emerging as key alternatives. Reports suggest Apple is now ramping up production in India to minimize the impact of tariffs.
Earlier this week, Trump announced a 90-day pause on new tariffs for most countries—excluding China, which now faces a 145% import tax. He said the reprieve is intended to reward countries that haven’t retaliated and to create leverage in future trade negotiations.
The administration insists these tariffs are part of a broader strategy to fix what it sees as systemic unfairness in the global trading system and to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.
