Sun, 13 Apr 2025

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs

It follows concerns that tech prices could skyrocket, as many gadgets are made in China, with the US president saying he will give more detail on Monday.

* US President Donald Trump's administration has exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices from "reciprocal" tariffs.
* The exemptions include goods such as semiconductors, solar cells, memory cards, and other components, backdated to 5 April.
* The move is seen as a "game-changer scenario" for the tech industry, with one analyst describing it as a "dream scenario for tech investors".
* Big tech firms like Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft can breathe a sigh of relief, with smartphone prices potentially tripling if costs were passed on to consumers.
* Exemptions are made to ensure companies have more time to move production to the US, with the White House indicating that Trump wants companies to "onsource" manufacturing in the US.
* Electronic goods are still subject to a 20% tariff related to fentanyl, but no longer subject to 125% levies imposed on Chinese imports.
  >>