Trump Administration Exempts Smartphones and Laptops from New Tariffs on Chinese Imports

The Trump administration has announced exemptions for smartphones, laptops, and other electronics from the latest round of tariffs it imposed last week, according to a Bloomberg report. While these devices are still subject to some pre-existing duties, they will not be impacted by the newly introduced 125 percent tariff on Chinese imports or the 10 percent base global tariff on electronics from other countries.

Key Electronics Spared from Latest Tariff Hike

The updated guidance was quietly released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) late last night. It confirms that devices such as smartphones, laptops, hard drives, computer processors, and memory chips will not face the elevated tariffs introduced in President Trump’s April 9th tariff hike. Additionally, the machinery used by companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to produce semiconductors is also excluded from the new duties.

Exemptions Extend to Small-Parcel Shipping Duties

In a further development, the White House issued a memo clarifying that the exemptions also apply to small-parcel shipping duties. Previously, Trump’s tariff plan included eliminating duty-free treatment for low-value packages. An executive order issued Tuesday night tripled the duties on such packages. However, the exemption means that those increases may not apply to electronics shipped in smaller quantities.

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Not All Tariffs Lifted

Despite these recent exemptions, the products are not entirely tariff-free. Bloomberg notes that they remain subject to a 20 percent duty aimed at pressuring China to act against the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals. Additional tariffs from previous trade disputes and earlier in Trump’s administration still apply.

Mixed Industry Reactions and Price Adjustments

These moves follow Trump’s decision to pause higher tariffs for most countries for 90 days while simultaneously increasing the total tariff rate for Chinese imports to 145 percent — a sharp escalation in the ongoing trade war. While the exemptions offer relief to tech companies and consumers, uncertainty around the broader tariff landscape continues to impact the industry.

The prospect of steep tariffs had led to fears of price hikes on popular consumer electronics. Some companies have already responded, with Sony reportedly raising U.S. prices on new TVs and OnePlus increasing the price of its latest smartwatches without explanation. Others are adopting a wait-and-see approach: Nintendo, for example, delayed preorders for the Switch 2 in the U.S. but has maintained its planned $449.99 launch price. Meanwhile, Apple reportedly rushed to import 600 tons of iPhones from India ahead of the new tariffs.

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A Temporary Reprieve Amid Trade War Uncertainty

For now, while the exemption provides a temporary reprieve, the electronics sector remains on edge amid unpredictable trade policy changes.