Trump Administration Eases Tariffs on Electronics, Spares Smartphones and Computers—China Excluded from Relief

The Trump administration has updated its tariff policy to exempt certain electronics—like smartphones, computers, semiconductors, and flat panel displays—from steep global tariffs. This exemption, effective for goods entering the U.S. or leaving warehouses starting April 5, was detailed in new guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a presidential memo issued Saturday.

The exemptions apply to “reciprocal tariffs” previously imposed on many countries, which are now paused until early July. However, China is excluded from this pause and remains subject to 145% levies. The updated guidance does not change the existing 20% tariff on Chinese goods tied to the fentanyl trade.

China remains the U.S.’s top electronics supplier, followed by Mexico, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The move offers relief to American tech companies like Apple, which were facing significant supply chain risks under the original tariff structure.

Smartphones and computers are exempt from Trump’s reciprocal tariffs : NPR