President Trump’s Tariff Strategy Changes, Exempts Smartphones and Additional Essential Electronics

The specifics of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy have undergone notable alterations in recent days. Most importantly, an extensive array of consumer electronics — encompassing smartphones — will henceforth be excluded from the most recent round of tariffs.

Per the updated guidelines issued Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 20 product categories have been granted exemptions from the newly enforced 125% tariff on imports from China, as well as the amended 10% baseline tariff on goods from other nations. However, the guidance did not cover the current 20% tariff on products from China. Included among the exempted items are smartphones, laptops, semiconductors, and flat-panel display modules.

In response, China has escalated tariffs on U.S. imports by 125%, further intensifying the ongoing trade disputes.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai informed CNBC that President Trump is dedicated to diminishing America’s reliance on China for essential technologies such as chips, smartphones, and computers. “At the direction of the President, these companies are working rapidly to relocate their manufacturing to the United States as soon as feasible,” Desai stated.

Earlier this month, CNBC highlighted a spike in panic buying of iPhones following the announcement of the proposed 125% tariffs, as consumers anticipated sharp price increases. Apple, in particular, was preparing for considerable obstacles. The recent exclusion of smartphones and other electronics could provide the tech giant with some short-term relief.

For further information on how tariffs are affecting the tech sector, see: Updating: All the tariff price increases in the tech world so far.