Separate tariffs coming on smartphones, chips imports: US Commerce Secretary

IANS April 13, 2025 253 views

The US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has announced upcoming specialized tariffs targeting technology imports from Southeast Asia. These new tariffs will specifically focus on semiconductors, smartphones, computers, and electronic components within the next two months. The move is part of a broader strategy to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign technology production. This development follows recent temporary exemptions on certain electronic imports, signaling a significant shift in US trade policy.

"We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels -- we need to have these things made in America." - Howard Lutnick, US Commerce Secretary
Washington, April 13: A day after the US exempted electronics imports, including semiconductors, from reciprocal tariffs, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday the country is set to launch "separate tariffs" for imports of smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and other components in the next one to two months.

Key Points

1

US planning specialized tariffs on tech imports

2

Semiconductor production to be prioritized domestically

3

Trump administration targeting Southeast Asian manufacturing

4

Electronics temporarily exempted from reciprocal tariffs

Lutnick also highlighted the need to build chips and flat-panel televisions in the US, compared to relying on imports from South Asian nations.

Speaking to ABC News, the Commerce Secretary said all those products are going to come under semiconductors, and they're going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored.

"We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels -- we need to have these things made in America. We can't be reliant on Southeast Asia for all the things that operate for us," he was quoted as saying in the report.

The US Commerce Secretary highlighted that smartphone and computer imports are removed from the reciprocal tariff list but will now be added to the semiconductor tariffs within the next two months.

"What President Donald Trump is doing is that he's saying they're exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they're included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So, these are coming soon," he told the news portal.

On Saturday, the US government announced it would exempt smartphones and computers imported into the country from the latest tariffs.

According to a US Customs and Border Protection notice, the exemption applies to products entering the US or removed from warehouses as early as April 5.

The exemptions also include other electronic devices and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards.

Reader Comments

J
James K.
Finally some common sense! We can't keep relying on foreign manufacturing for critical tech components. This might make devices more expensive short-term, but it's worth it for national security and job creation. 🇺🇸
S
Sarah L.
I appreciate the intent but worry about how this will affect prices. My family just replaced our old phones last year and I'm concerned about affordability if tariffs push costs up 20-30% 😬
M
Miguel R.
The exemption-then-new-tariff approach seems confusing. Why not just keep them exempt if the goal is to eventually include them under semiconductor tariffs anyway? Feels like unnecessary bureaucratic shuffling.
A
Aisha B.
As someone in tech manufacturing, I'm cautiously optimistic. We need investment in domestic capabilities, but tariffs alone won't solve the problem. Where's the plan for building up our production capacity?
T
Trevor W.
Interesting timing right after the exemptions. I wonder if this is more about trade negotiations than actual policy. Either way, hope it leads to more tech jobs here!
P
Priya N.
The focus on semiconductors makes sense - they're the brains of modern tech. But we should be careful not to disrupt supply chains too abruptly. Maybe phase these changes in gradually?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Your email won't be published

Tags:
US Trade Policy Howard Lutnick Semiconductor Tariffs Donald Trump Technology Imports US Commerce Department
You May Like!