In a move of strategic precision, President Donald Trump has officially exempted smartphones, computers, and other critical electronics from the extensive reciprocal tariffs that were part of his new trade strategy. This bold plan was specifically designed to tackle global trade malpractices, with a focus on Communist China.
According to The Hill, this exemption was published late Friday by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), shielding nearly 20 categories of electronics from the 125% tariffs imposed on Chinese imports under Executive Order 14257. This includes laptops, phones, semiconductor chips, and memory components.
This move seems like a victory for Big Tech and foreign manufacturers, especially for companies like Apple that reap massive profits by assembling products in China. The administration posits this decision as one of “strategic alignment.”
Despite the comprehensive nature of Executive Order 14259, which amended tariff policies for low-value imports from China, the Presidential Memorandum specifies that these Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) products are exempt from reciprocal tariffs—regardless of origin, if correctly classified and reported under the exception codes.
The CBP notice details specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes exempted from the reciprocal duties. Key imports under these headings include:
- 8471 & 8473 (Computer and peripheral devices)
- 8517 (Smartphones and routers)
- 8523 & 8524 (Memory cards and storage media)
- 8541 & 8542 (Semiconductors and integrated circuits)
Importers are required to adhere to strict reporting procedures, utilizing specific subheadings and corrective filings to ensure compliance and eligibility for tariff refunds or exceptions. CBP has promised further guidance in the coming days.
Previously, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had intensified its trade conflict with the United States by imposing a massive 125% tariff on all American imports. This was a direct reaction to President Trump’s firm decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to an impressive 145%, aimed at countering Beijing’s historic trade infractions and intellectual property theft.
On Wednesday, Beijing’s ill-advised retaliation consisted of an 84% tariff on all American imports, a reckless attempt following President Trump’s earlier increase to 104% on Chinese goods. But China miscalculated greatly. Within hours, President Trump escalated tariffs to 125%, delivering a strong message: America will not be intimidated.
“Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America to 125%, effective immediately. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other Countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable.
Conversely, and based on the fact that more than 75 Countries have called Representatives of the United States, including the Departments of Commerce, Treasury, and the USTR, to negotiate a solution to the subjects being discussed relative to Trade, Trade Barriers, Tariffs, Currency Manipulation, and Non Monetary Tariffs, and that these Countries have not, at my strong suggestion, retaliated in any way, shape, or form against the United States, I have authorized a 90 day PAUSE, and a substantially lowered Reciprocal Tariff during this period, of 10%, also effective immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
According to Yahoo, “The White House confirmed the total base tariff on China is actually 145%, an amount higher than the 125% previously reported… The confusion about the exact number stemmed from separate 20% duties on China over issues of fentanyl and illegal migration that Trump had imposed in February and March.”
