Washington: US President Donald Trump denied reports that his administration had granted a tariff exception for electronics like smartphones and chips, contrary to suggestions late last week that consumer tech products would be spared from sweeping reciprocal tariffs. 'NOBODY is getting 'off the hook' for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!' Trump said Sunday on his Truth Social account.
According to Philippines News Agency, 'These products are subject to the existing 20 percent fentanyl tariffs - they are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket,'' Trump added. He criticized the media, stating, 'The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it. We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations. What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People.'
Trump further emphasized his vision for the country's economic future, stating, 'The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us.'
The confusion arose after US Customs and Border Protection published a notice on Friday that appeared to exempt electronic products from the 145 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, raising hopes that such items had been spared. However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified the situation on Sunday, stating that electronics were not permanently exempt but would instead be subject to new semiconductor-specific tariffs expected in the next month or two as part of a broader strategy.
