The Trump administration exempts electronic devices, such as telephones, computers and other electronic devices, from “mutual” tariffs imposed on other countries, including China.
guidance Posted Customs and border security that collects import obligations indicate that approximately 20 products will be excluded from mutual duties. These include smartphones, computers, routers and semiconductor chips.
The exemption could be a break for consumers who were facing the possibility of paying electronics at a higher price due to the sudden tariffs imposed on China. It's also a victory for companies like Apple, which manufactures many products in China.
Trump has shown that sector-specific tariffs will be imposed on products like semiconductor chips, but the grace may be short-lived in some cases.
Earlier this month, the White House announced a 10% baseline tariff on foreign imports and a more steeper “mutual” tariff on dozens of other countries, including many major trading partners. Trump later announced that sudden tariffs would fall to 10% for 90 days to allow time for negotiations.
However, the change did not apply to China. Trump ratcheted mutual tariffs in China to 125% plus 20% tax, resulting in a proportional response from Beijing. It intensified the fears of a massive trade war between the two biggest economies of the world.
Trump told Air Force 1 reporters Friday night that he was optimistic that the US and China could solve something, citing their relationship with President Xi Jinping.
“I think there's something positive going on,” Trump said.
