Smartphones, computers exempt from Trump’s new tariffs

Electronics imported into the U.S. will be exempt from President Donald Trump’s new reciprocal tariffs, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection notice posted Friday. The exemption, effective from April 5, includes smartphones, computer monitors, and various electronic components.

This follows the Trump administration's imposition of a 145% minimum tariff on Chinese imports, a move that could have significantly impacted tech companies like Apple, which assembles about 90% of its iPhones in China. Analysts estimate Apple has about six weeks of U.S. inventory, after which prices could have risen.

Trump mentioned there could be “a couple of exceptions” to the tariffs. While the White House hasn't commented, economists warn the tariffs may increase consumer prices, prompting a surge in big-ticket purchases and a drop in consumer sentiment.

The administration argues the tariffs aim to boost U.S. manufacturing. However, some products like semiconductors, which are mostly made in Asia due to lower costs, are difficult to produce domestically. These too are now exempt, benefiting companies like TSMC, Samsung, and SK Hynix.

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