Trump Rejects Tariff Exemptions For Electronics, Says 20% Tariffs Still Apply
US President Donald Trump has dismissed reports that certain electronics have been exempted from his sweeping tariff plans, saying in a Truth Social post that products like smartphones and laptops are still subject to 20% fentanyl-related tariffs.
However, the White House confirmed Friday night that smartphones, computers and other tech components are exempt from the latest round of reciprocal tariffs, according to updated guidance from US Customs and Border Protection.
“These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariff, and they are simply moving to a different ‘tariff’,” Trump wrote, adding that an upcoming national security investigation would target semiconductors and the broader electronics supply chain.
“No one is off the hook for unfair trade—especially China,” he added.
Earlier today, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that separate tariffs, including semiconductors, would apply to smartphones, computers and certain other electronics, which could be implemented within the next month.
The apparent contradiction emerged after Trump imposed 145% tariffs on a range of Chinese goods earlier this month, a move that raised concerns for major U.S. tech companies like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), which rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing.
The latest guidance from CBP late Friday listed temporary exemptions for a range of electronics and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, flat-panel displays, flash drives and memory cards.
The White House said Saturday that the exemptions were intended to give U.S. companies time to shift production domestically.
“At the direction of the President, these companies are working hard to move their manufacturing to the United States as soon as possible,” White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai said.
“President Trump has made it clear that America cannot depend on China to produce critical technologies like semiconductors
