Donald Trump’s tariff policies are reportedly undergoing another alteration. The Trump administration had recently announced exemptions on tariffs for iPhones and other electronics, which were initially revealed on a Friday. These exemptions come after the administration imposed a 145 percent tariff on goods from China, a move that was likely well-received by tech companies such as Apple.
The tariff exemptions applied to a range of electronics imported from China. While the general tariffs stayed in place, the exemptions allowed certain products to avoid the substantial reciprocal tariffs that Trump had imposed on Chinese exports to the U.S. The exempted items included products like smartphones, laptops, semiconductors, and flat-panel display modules.
However, the narrative shifted on Sunday, April 13. During an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the exemptions for smartphones and computers were only temporary. Lutnick emphasized the necessity of manufacturing semiconductors, chips, and flat panels within the United States, indicating these exemptions were not intended for permanent negotiation by other countries. Instead, they are regarded as national security priorities needing domestic production.
Lutnick also indicated that the products currently exempted from reciprocal tariffs would soon be subject to new “semiconductor tariffs,” which Trump is expected to announce in the coming months. Consequently, any relief consumers felt due to the temporary exemptions may soon be short-lived, as price increases could follow the introduction of new tariffs.
