Washington: In a significant policy adjustment, the Trump administration has announced exemptions for a range of high-tech products—including laptops, smartphones, and semiconductors—from its newly imposed reciprocal tariffs.
The move aims to prevent disruptions in supply chains and avoid soaring costs for American consumers and businesses, according to multiple media sources.
A notice issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection confirmed that the exemption applies to electronic components and devices regardless of their country of origin, including goods manufactured in China. These items will be spared from the steep 145% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports, as well as the standard 10% baseline tariffs on products from other nations.
The tariff relief comes amid a broader escalation in the U.S.-China trade conflict. President Donald Trump recently announced an additional 125% duty on Chinese goods under his “reciprocal tariffs” policy, which he says is designed to address longstanding trade imbalances and unfair practices. This new layer of tariffs adds to earlier levies, including a 20% duty linked to alleged Chinese involvement in fentanyl trafficking, bringing the total tariff load on some imports to 145%.
Officials noted that many of the exempted products, such as computer processors and hard drives, are still largely imported due to limited domestic production. While the administration maintains that the tariffs are part of an effort to boost U.S. manufacturing, analysts caution that reshoring tech production could take years to materialize.
The exemptions reflect a balancing act between economic protectionism and the practical realities of America’s tech dependency, especially as trade tensions continue to rise.
