Trump excludes computers, phones, other electronics from tariffs

Around 20 products will be exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, according to US Customs and Border Protection, which is responsible for collecting import duties, media reports said Saturday.

These exemptions include smartphones, computers, routers, and semiconductor chips.

The exemptions could offer relief to consumers who were facing the likelihood of higher electronics prices due to hefty tariffs on Chinese goods. 

The move also benefits companies like Apple, which rely heavily on manufacturing in China.

However, the relief may be temporary. Trump has indicated plans to implement sector-specific tariffs on products such as semiconductor chips.

Earlier this month, the White House announced a baseline 10% tariff on foreign imports, along with higher reciprocal tariffs targeting dozens of countries, including major trading partners. Trump later said those higher tariffs would be lowered to 10% for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.

That reduction, however, did not apply to China. Instead, Trump upped tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, in addition to a 20% levy, prompting a retaliatory response from Beijing. 

This escalation has heightened fears of a full-scale trade war between the world’s two largest economies.