Smartphones, computers, and chips temporarily spared from Trump tariffs

The Trump administration has announced a temporary exemption for smartphones, laptops, and key computer components from its latest wave of tariffs targeting Chinese imports. The US Customs and Border Protection issued an updated directive late Friday, confirming that items like smartphones, laptops, monitors, hard drives, memory chips, and chipsets will be spared from the current tariff hike, which otherwise reaches up to 145% on Chinese goods.

While this decision brings short-term relief to tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, and others, it may not last. President Trump revealed on Sunday that a new set of tariffs specifically targeting semiconductors — including chips and smartphones — is in the pipeline and expected to be announced within the next couple of weeks.

Labeled as a “special focus tariff,” the new measures aim to drive smartphone and semiconductor manufacturing back to the United States — a move that industry experts say could take years and lead to significant price hikes for consumers. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick acknowledged that the initiative would result in higher costs, with much of the burden falling on buyers.

However, Trump hinted at potential exceptions for select companies, suggesting there may be “flexibility” for major players in the tech sector, leaving the door open for negotiations.