Trump Exempts Phones, Computers, Chips From New Tariffs
In a significant development amid escalating trade tensions with China, former President Donald Trump announced that smartphones, computer chips, and personal computers will be exempt from the sweeping 145% tariffs recently proposed on Chinese imports.
Speaking at a rally over the weekend, Trump emphasized the need to protect American technology consumers and businesses while still taking a tough stance on what he calls China’s “unfair trade practices.”
“We’re going to bring our manufacturing home,” Trump said, “but we’re not going to punish everyday Americans who rely on their phones and computers to work, learn, and live.”
The exemption comes as part of a broader trade policy shift aimed at encouraging domestic production without driving up consumer costs on essential tech products. Smartphones and personal computers—many of which are assembled in China—would have seen sharp price increases had they been included in the tariff list.
Industry leaders and economists cautiously welcomed the exemption. “This move shows some recognition of the practical impact tariffs can have on American households and businesses,” said Julia Martinez, a senior analyst at the Brookings Institution. “But the broader 145% tariff is still likely to disrupt supply chains and raise prices in other sectors.”
U.S. chipmakers, in particular, had raised alarm over the initial proposal, noting that even though many of their products are designed domestically, much of the manufacturing and packaging occurs in China. The exemption for chips alleviates some of those concerns, though uncertainty remains for other tech-related imports.
Critics argue that the tariff policy still risks igniting a trade war and could strain diplomatic and economic relations with Beijing. The Chinese government has not yet issued an official response to the announcement but has hinted at potential retaliatory measures in the past.
Trump has defended the tariffs as necessary to reduce America’s reliance on Chinese manufacturing and to promote domestic industry. The former president has made trade a key issue in his latest campaign, arguing that tougher policies are required to restore economic independence.
As the policy details continue to emerge, both markets and consumers are bracing for possible ripple effects, even with key tech exemptions in place.
