The Trump administration has announced that smartphones, laptops, and other consumer electronics will be excluded from the newly introduced reciprocal tariffs on imports from China. The exemption was confirmed in a recent filing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The list of exempted goods includes smartphones, computers, routers, microchips, and other key technology products. These items were initially subject to tariffs of up to 145%. They represent approximately 22% of all U.S. imports from China.
Despite being excluded from the new reciprocal tariffs, these goods remain subject to an earlier 20% tariff specific to Chinese imports, introduced last month.
Companies such as Apple, which depend heavily on manufacturing in China, are among those directly affected by the decision. The exemptions apply as part of a broader trade adjustment strategy currently underway.
According to administration officials, the U.S. remains focused on expanding domestic production. Major tech firms including Apple, Nvidia, and TSMC are reportedly involved in ongoing projects to shift some manufacturing operations to the United States.
The announcement follows a 90-day tariff reprieve granted to most U.S. trading partners, excluding China. The administration has also indicated that an investigation into semiconductor imports may begin in the coming weeks.
