Trump Gives Tech Industry a Breather: Smartphones and Monitors Spared from Tariff Storm
Breaking News: Washington
Trump Gives Tech Industry a Breather: Smartphones and Monitors Spared from Tariff Storm
Breaking News: Washington
Trump Gives Tech Industry a Breather: Smartphones and Monitors Spared from Tariff Storm
In a surprising turn amid one of the most heated trade disputes in recent history, the Trump administration has decided to exempt some of the 21st century’s most essential devices—smartphones and computer monitors—from its infamous “reciprocal tariffs.” The announcement came via the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), signaling a much-needed break for the tech world.
But the relief doesn't stop there. The new directive also covers a wide range of critical tech components: semiconductor chips, flat-screen televisions, flash drives, memory cards, and over 20 other electronics—all temporarily shielded from the looming tariff burden. This exemption applies to products that entered the U.S. or left their country of origin on or after April 5.
A Lifeline for Apple—and for Consumers’ Wallets
This move comes as a welcome reprieve for American tech giants like Apple, whose manufacturing heavily relies on China. An estimated 90% of iPhone production and assembly takes place in Chinese factories, along with 80% of iPads and more than half of all Mac computers.
Consumers, too, can breathe easier. Had the tariffs gone into effect, device prices could have surged rapidly. The mere announcement of Trump’s aggressive trade policy had already sent shockwaves through the market: Apple saw its market value drop by over $640 billion, losing its top spot to Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company.
Dark Clouds Begin to Clear—For Now
“This announcement clears, at least temporarily, a major storm cloud hanging over the tech sector,” said Dan Ives, Head of Tech Research at Wedbush Securities. “These companies simply have no alternative— their supply chains are fundamentally rooted in Asia.”
Despite the exemptions, tensions with China remain sky-high. While Trump granted a 90-day delay on the tariffs to allow negotiations with certain countries—imposing instead a provisional 10% import tax—China was left out of the reprieve. The administration hiked tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, on top of an existing 20% duty—raising the total tariff burden to 145%. Beijing quickly responded in kind, fueling fears of a full-scale global trade war.
Sources: Press office official Washington: EFE/ the white house /
Photos stock social networks official Team trump/ Apple archive/
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