The Trump administration has exempted smartphones, laptops, chips and screens from the 125% tariff previously applied to Chinese imports. This decision temporarily reduced tensions in the US-China trade war and brought relief to companies such as Apple, Dell and Nvidia.
According to information from the US Customs Service (CBP), the tariff exemptions took effect on April 5, 2025 and apply to 20 categories of goods, including computers, smartphones, data storage devices, chips and displays.
At the same time, the decision does not affect the basic 10% tariff imposed on countries outside China, in particular, on products from Taiwan or India. However, it is the “mirror” tariffs of 125% on Chinese products that have been abolished. That means new iPhone models won’t cost as much as $2,300, as analysts had predicted.
The tariff relief also extends to semiconductors, chip equipment and other critical electronic components. While there’s no official explanation, experts attribute it to the risk of rising U.S. domestic inflation. For voters, that means lower prices in stores — especially given the previous inflation caused by COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine.
The temporary lifting of tariffs on smartphones and electronics shows that even Trump’s most aggressive trade initiatives have limits. Inflation, public opinion and economic pressures are forcing a strategy adjustment. At the same time, a new investigation into semiconductors has been announced, which could lead to the introduction of another wave of tariffs in the near future. This is a period of temporary lull for companies. For global trade, it is another tense week.
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