Trump Exempts Electronics from Reciprocal Tariffs Amid U.S.–China Trade Tensions

April 12, 2025, 9:20 am

Two reports reveal that President Trump has directed Customs to exempt a broad array of electronic products—including smartphones, computers, and chips—from reciprocal tariffs imposed amid escalating U.S.–China trade tensions. The exemptions aim to prevent supply chain disruptions and avoid passing increased costs on to consumers, while sparing major companies such as Apple from billions in extra fees. Officials assert that this measure not only stabilizes the domestic tech market but also mitigates broader economic risks in the ongoing trade conflict.

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General Electronics and Technology Tariff Exemptions

androidheadlines.com / Smartphones & computers officially exempt from Trump's tariffs

The post Smartphones & computers officially exempt from Trump's tariffs appeared first on Android Headlines.

arstechnica.com / After market tumult, Trump exempts smartphones from massive new tariffs

Some consumer electronics are also exempted in a major boost to Big Tech.

gizmodo.com / Trump Keeps Backing Down, Exempts Phones and Computers from Tariffs

It's the Art of the Deal.

venturebeat.com / Trump backs off on electronics tariffs

Reacting to continuing stock market woes and perhaps tech industry lobbyin, Trump backed off on tariffs for electronics late last night.

cnet.com / Tariff Surprise: Smartphones and Computers Get Exempted in Late-Night Reversal

The Trump administration has spared iPhones, laptops and other electronics from its reciprocal tariffs, but it's unclear if that'll last.

techcrunch.com / Trump exempts smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors from new tariffs

Trump's administration exempted much of the tech industry from tariffs, delaying many announced tariffs while maintaining a universal 10% rate and raising tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%.

tomshardware.com / Trump exempts computers, smartphones, and more from tariffs

The tech industry is delighted that computers, smartphones, semiconductor chips, and more are officially exempt from tariffs on foreign imports.

wsj.com / Trump Exempts Smartphones, Other Electronics From Chinese Tariffs

The step back was announced in a late Friday filing with Customs and Border Protection.

theverge.com / Trump excludes smartphones, computers, chips from tariffs

The Trump administration exempted smartphones, computers, and related electronics from tariffs—even those from China—with US Customs updating guidance to exclude devices like laptops, hard drives, processors, memory chips, and production machines.

techinasia.com / Trump exempts smartphones, chips, other electronics from tariffs

Machines used in semiconductor manufacturing are also exempt, which could impact companies like TSMC.

zerohedge.com / Trump Exempts Computers, Handsets, Chips From Reciprocal Tariff Blitz

CBP's updated guidance exempts numerous electronics—including computers, smartphones, and chips—from Trump's reciprocal tariffs on non-retaliating countries amid an escalating U.S.–China trade war, reflecting U.S. reliance on imported tech and avoiding consumer disruption.

Apple and Major Tech Companies Exemptions

macrumors.com / iPhones, Macs, and Other Apple Devices Exempted From Trump Tariffs

Apple and other electronics makers have been exempted from Trump's 125% tariffs on Chinese imports and 10% on other countries for many devices, including iPhones, Macs, and iPads. Some items, like AirPods and the Switch 2, remain subject to tariffs, and a 20% fentanyl fee still applies.

barrons.com / Apple, Nvidia, Dell, and Others Get a Tariffs Exemption Under New Rules

Comments

appleinsider.com / Trump gives Apple a giant break with wide-ranging tariff exemptions

President Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and chips from reciprocal tariffs, sparing Apple billions in fees. Nearly all Apple products, including devices and storage components, are now exempt from the 145% tariff.

18 stories from 15 sources in 3 days ago ... #hardware #tech-policy #apple #chips #china #semiconductors #mobile-tech

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Trump Exempts Electronics from Reciprocal Tariffs Amid U.S.–China Trade Tensions

General Electronics and Technology Tariff Exemptions

Apple and Major Tech Companies Exemptions

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