The list of items covered by new bilateral tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump excludes smartphones, computers and other electronic devices, according to an announcement posted Friday evening by the US Customs Bureau (CBP). Hard drives, computer processors and microchips are also exempt from the tariffs.
In total, about 20 electronics and technology items manufactured outside the United States are exempt from the tariffs, including smartphones, computers, semiconductors, solar panels and LCD screens. They make up the largest share of goods imported into the U.S. from China by value.
The decision on the devices comes days after President Trump suspended previously announced tariffs on most countries for 90 days and raised tariffs on goods from China to 145 percent.
The announcement shows that these goods have been excluded from the latest “reciprocal” tariffs of 125% on China and 10% on the rest of the world, but not from those introduced in connection with fentanyl smuggling (20%). One of the biggest beneficiaries of the decision are American corporations, especially Apple, which assembles a large part of its products in China. At the same time, in recent days, Trump has signaled that he wants to conclude a trade agreement with China, although he has emphasized that Beijing must take the first step.
According to Bloomberg, the suspension of duties may be temporary and it cannot be ruled out that other rates may soon be introduced for these devices.
The announcement comes after administration officials, including U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, ruled out the possibility of exceptions to the imposed tariffs. Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the tariffs would cause the electronics industry to move production to the U.S. President Trump himself has also been announcing for weeks that he would introduce separate sectoral tariffs on imported semiconductors. (PAP)
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