Trump Administration Exempts Phones and Computers from High Tariffs on Chinese Imports

In a move that brings relief to tech companies and consumers, the US has decided not to apply high tariffs on smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices coming from China, BBC reported.

US Customs and Border Patrol announced the decision late Friday, confirming that these products will be excluded from the 10% global tariff and the 125% tariff on Chinese imports that President Donald Trump had planned. The exemption also covers semiconductors, solar cells, and memory cards.

The decision comes after tech companies raised concerns that prices for popular gadgets, like iPhones, could triple if the tariffs were fully applied. Many electronics sold in the US are made in China. For example, about 80% of Apple’s iPhones for the US market are manufactured in China, while the rest come from India.

Analysts had warned that the price hike could hurt both businesses and customers. Apple, along with companies like Samsung, has been working to move more of its production to countries like India and Vietnam to avoid heavy dependence on China.

Earlier in the week, Trump had announced new tariffs on imports from various countries. But he later softened his stance, giving a 90-day pause to all countries except China. He raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% in response to China’s 84% tariff on US imports.

The White House explained that the tariff delay is part of a strategy to pressure other countries into better trade deals. Trump has argued that these tariffs will help fix unfair trade practices and bring more jobs and manufacturing back to the US.