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Economy

Trump Spares Smartphones, Computers, Other Electronics from China Tariffs

Sunday 13 April 2025 - 09:38

The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has granted tariff exemptions on a range of electronics imported mainly from China, including smartphones, computers, and other devices. This move is seen as a significant relief for major tech companies like Apple, which rely heavily on imported products.

In a notice issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on April 12, the agency provided a list of tariff codes excluded from import taxes, effective retroactively from April 5, 2025. The exclusion covers 20 product categories, including all computers, laptops, disc drives, memory chips, semiconductor devices, and flat-panel displays.

The decision, announced without explanation, brings much-needed relief to tech firms facing import tariffs. It specifically removes electronics from Trump's 10% "baseline" tariffs on most non-Chinese goods, potentially lowering costs for semiconductor imports from Taiwan and for Apple iPhones produced in India.

Analysts, including Wedbush's Dan Ives, hailed the move as positive news for the tech industry, calling it a significant boost for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft. However, uncertainties about future China negotiations remain.

While Trump's exclusion only applies to the reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports, his previous 20% duties on Chinese goods related to the U.S. fentanyl crisis remain in effect. White House officials also indicated that Trump plans to initiate a national security investigation into semiconductors that could result in new tariffs.

Karoline Leavitt, a White House spokesperson, stated that Trump remains focused on reducing reliance on China for essential technologies such as semiconductors and smartphones. At the same time, major tech firms, including Apple and Nvidia, are pushing to relocate their manufacturing operations to the U.S. as soon as possible.

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