Trump exempts smartphones, computers and a number of other equipment from reciprocal duties
Photo: ERA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT
The administration of US President Donald Trump has removed certain high tariffs on smartphones, computers, and various other electronic devices, primarily imported from China, according to reports from CNN, Bloomberg, and Reuters.
It has been highlighted that the list encompasses 20 product categories, including the broad classification 8471, which includes all computers, laptops, disk drives, and equipment for automatic data processing.
Additionally, the list features semiconductor devices, machinery, memory chips, and flat panel displays. This includes smartphones, laptops, hard drives, processors, and memory cards. According to CNN, establishing their production domestically would require many years.
The announcement did not clarify the motivation behind this decision, but it has been viewed as a long-awaited relief for significant tech corporations like Apple, Dell Technologies, and other importers, as noted by the agency.
Trump’s ruling also exempted these electronic products from his 10% “base” tariffs on goods from most nations, excluding China, thereby reducing the import costs of semiconductors from Taiwan and Apple’s iPhones produced in India.
Responding to inquiries from journalists on April 12 while aboard Air Force One regarding the rationale for these exemptions and semiconductor plans, Trump stated: “I’ll provide an answer on Monday. We’ll be very specific on Monday.”
- On April 10, 2025, the US government declared an increase in “mirror” tariffs on Chinese products exported to the US to 125%. In retaliation, China will raise its tariffs on US goods from 84% to 125% starting April 12.
