The Trump administration announced on Friday that smartphones and laptops will be excluded from reciprocal tariffs. This decision is likely to keep consumer electronics prices lower, as these products are typically not manufactured in the United States.
This exemption particularly benefits major tech companies like Apple and Samsung, along with chip manufacturers such as Nvidia. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, items including smartphones, laptops, hard drives, flat-panel monitors, and certain chips will not face tariffs. However, machinery used in semiconductor production remains taxable, meaning these items will not be affected by the hefty 145% tariffs currently imposed on imports from China or the 10% baseline tariffs on other foreign goods.
This latest adjustment reflects the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to navigate the complexities of tariffs aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing while acknowledging the reality that the electronics supply chain is largely situated in Asia. For instance, around 90% of iPhones are produced and assembled in China, according to financial analysts.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives remarked that this move lifts significant uncertainty looming over the tech industry, alleviating stress for major tech corporations in the U.S. Trump has previously suggested that he would consider tariff exemptions for certain companies, acknowledging the importance of maintaining a strong technology sector.
As of now, there has been no comment from major tech firms such as Apple or Samsung regarding this decision, and the White House has not yet responded to inquiries.
