In a significant shift in trade policy, US President, Donald Trump has announced that mobile phones, laptops, and other personal computing devices will be exempt from a new round of reciprocal tariffs. The decision, aimed at easing economic pressure and maintaining global tech supply chain stability, has been welcomed by both domestic and international markets.
The announcement comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and key global partners. While previous tariff measures drew concern from industry leaders and consumers alike, the exemption of essential tech devices signals a more targeted approach to trade enforcement under Trump’s strategy.
“This move demonstrates a clear understanding of the role that consumer electronics play in both daily life and the global economy,” said an industry spokesperson. “Tariffs on phones and computers would have caused ripple effects across sectors, from education to business and manufacturing.”
Global stock markets responded positively to the news, with shares of major tech firms and electronics retailers experiencing a notable boost. Economists also note that the exemption may help ease inflationary pressures by preventing price increases on high-demand consumer goods.
Despite ongoing disputes in other trade categories, the decision is seen as a conciliatory step that could pave the way for more focused, sector-specific negotiations in the future.
According to a Bloomberg report, the exemptions, quietly published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection late Friday, remove several high-demand tech products from Trump’s 125% China-specific tariff and the 10% global baseline levy.
The exclusion list includes smartphones, laptop computers, hard drives, computer processors, and memory chips—items that are rarely manufactured in the United States and would require years of investment to localize production.
Reprieve for Apple, Samsung, others
By sparing these products, the administration effectively shields major electronics players such as Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. from immediate cost surges, while also mitigating potential price hikes for end consumers.
Additionally, machines used in semiconductor manufacturing were exempted. This is a significant development for companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which has announced large-scale investment plans in the U.S., as well as for the broader chipmaking sector.
However, the report noted that the relief may be temporary as the exclusions are derived from an earlier executive order designed to prevent cumulative tariff burdens across sectors.
Analysts suggest that these items could still be subject to new, potentially lower tariffs in the future—especially those targeting Chinese imports.
One notable category on the exclusion list is semiconductors.
Trump has previously expressed intentions to impose targeted tariffs on semiconductor products, although such measures have yet to be implemented. To date, sector-specific tariffs under his trade policy have been capped at 25%, but the eventual rate for semiconductors remains uncertain.
In the wake of the tariff wars leading to the imposition of 125% duty on goods from China, industry analysts had warned that this could have dire consequences on the prices of several electronic devices being manufactured in China.
Specifically, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities, Dan Ives, had warned that tariffs could have a far-reaching impact on tech consumers and multinational companies like Apple, with iPhone prices expected to increase three times.
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