Donald Trump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs
The U.S. government has issued tariff exemptions for smartphones, computers, and various other electronics—most of which are imported from China—shielding them from President Donald Trump’s substantial 125% reciprocal tariffs.
In a notice to shippers, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency released a list of tariff codes that qualify for the exemption. These exclusions apply retroactively, starting from 12:01 a.m. EDT (1601 GMT) on April 5th.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection identified 20 product categories, notably including the broad 8471 tariff code, which covers computers, laptops, disk drives, and automatic data processing machines. The list also features semiconductor devices, related equipment, memory chips, and flat panel displays.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that former President Trump has emphasized the need for the U.S. to reduce its dependence on China for the production of key technologies like semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops.
She added that, following Trump’s directive, major tech companies—including Apple, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor—are actively working to move their manufacturing operations to the United States as quickly as possible.
I am one of the editors here at www.systemtek.co.uk I am a UK based technology professional, with an interest in computer security and telecoms.