US President Trump exempts phones, computers and other electronics from reciprocal tariffs

ANI April 13, 2025 179 views

The Trump administration has strategically exempted key electronic products from reciprocal tariffs, offering potential relief for consumers and tech companies. This move comes amid escalating trade tensions between the United States and China, with both nations imposing significant tariffs on each other's goods. President Trump remains cautiously optimistic about resolving trade disputes, highlighting his personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The exemption covers critical items like smartphones, computers, and semiconductor chips, signaling a nuanced approach to international trade negotiations.

"I think something positive is going to come out of it." - Donald Trump, Air Force One
Washington, DC, April 13: The Trump administration in the US has exempted electronics like phones, computers and other electronics from the reciprocal tariffs imposed on other nations, including China, The Hill reported.

Key Points

1

US exempts 20 electronic product categories from reciprocal tariffs

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Trump maintains optimistic stance on China trade relations

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Tariff exemption provides relief for tech companies and consumers

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Potential short-term reprieve from trade war escalation

Guidance posted by Customs and Border Protection, which collects duties on imports, indicated roughly 20 products that would be exempted from reciprocal tariffs. The electronic items include smartphones, computers, semiconductor chips and routers.

The exemptions that have been implemented by the Trump administration could be a break for consumers who were facing the possibility of paying higher prices on electronics due to increased tariffs imposed on China. It's also a win for companies like Apple, which develops many of its products in China.

US Presdident Donald Trump has indicated he will impose sector-specific tariffs on goods like semiconductor chips, implying that the exemption may be short-lived in some cases, The Hill reported.

Earlier this month, the White House announced a 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports and increased "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of other countries. Later, Trump announced the steeper tariffs would be reduced to 10 per cent for 90 days for more than 75 countries currently engaged in trade discussions with the US. However, Trump increased the reciprocal tariffs on China to 125 per cent on top of 20 per cent levies, leading to a proportionate response from Beijing.

The move escalated fears of a trade war between the US and China. Speaking to reporters onboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump said he was optimistic the US and China would be able to work something out, citing his ties with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, The Hill reported. He said, "I think something positive is going to come out of it."

On Friday, China hit back at the latest US tariffs by imposing 125 per cent tariffs on imports of all US goods. Chinese official Xinhua agency cited the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council to state that it will lift the additional tariffs on products imported from the US to 125 per cent from 84 per cent, effective from April 12.

China has also filed a lawsuit with WTO following the latest US tariff hikes, the Chinese commerce ministry said as per a report in the official Xinhua Agency.

Reader Comments

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Sarah K.
Finally some good news! My laptop was about to die and I was dreading having to pay extra because of tariffs. This exemption makes sense - electronics are essential in today's world. 👍
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Mike T.
Interesting move. While I appreciate not paying more for my phone, I wonder if this undermines the administration's tough stance on China. Seems like picking winners and losers in the tariff game.
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Jamal R.
Apple stock holders breathing a sigh of relief today! This was definitely needed to prevent tech prices from skyrocketing. Hope they keep these exemptions in place.
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Lisa P.
The back-and-forth tariffs are making me nervous. I get that we need to stand up to China, but is this really the best approach? The exemptions are a temporary fix at best.
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Tom W.
Smart move on the exemptions! Most families can't afford sudden price jumps on essentials like computers, especially with remote learning still happening in many places.
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Anita S.
While I appreciate the exemption, the whole tariff situation feels like a messy game of chicken. 125% tariffs?! That's insane. There's got to be a better way to handle trade disputes.

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

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Tags:
Trump Tariffs US-China Trade War Electronics Imports Tariff Exemption Donald Trump Xi Jinping
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