U.S. exempts smartphones, computers from global Trump tariffs

The Trump administration’s trade war with China has been escalating, but there is some good news for consumers of high-tech products. Smartphones, computers, and other electronics have been exempted from the tariffs, as announced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office in a notice published on Friday.

This exemption is a relief for many American consumers, as it means that popular electronic products like smartphones will not be subject to tariffs. Without this exemption, products like Apple’s iPhone, which are mostly manufactured in China, could have seen significant price increases. Experts predicted that the cost of an iPhone could jump by hundreds of dollars, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max 256 GB potentially increasing from $1,199 to $1,874.

The exemptions cover various electronic goods, including smartphones and components, entering the United States from China. This news comes amidst escalating tariff increases between China and the United States. China recently announced that it would raise tariffs on U.S. goods from 84% to 125%, while President Trump’s tariffs on China now total 145%.

While these electronics are exempt from the escalating trade war, they are still subject to a 20% tariff related to fentanyl. The Trump administration announced these tariffs on February 1 to prevent the shipment of fentanyl into the United States from Mexico, Canada, and China. White House officials have emphasized the importance of onshoring manufacturing critical technologies in the United States.

It is clear that the trade war between the United States and China is far from over, but for now, consumers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their beloved electronic devices are safe from additional tariffs. The exemptions provide a buffer against potential price increases and ensure that consumers can continue to enjoy the latest technology without breaking the bank.