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Temporary Relief for Smartphones and Laptops May Soon Expire, Commerce Secretary Warns
In yet another twist in the ongoing U.S.–China trade saga, the Trump administration is already stepping back from its recently announced tariff exemptions on consumer electronics, including smartphones and laptops.
Just days after unveiling a surprise exemption on a range of Chinese-made tech products—like iPhones, semiconductors, and flat-panel displays—Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick appeared on ABC’s This Week to clarify that the relief was only a short-term measure.
“This is not permanent,” Lutnick said on Sunday, April 13. “We need to bring chip-making, flat panels, and core electronics back to America. That’s what the President is focused on.”
The original announcement of exemptions came after President Trump levied an aggressive 145% tariff on Chinese imports, a move that alarmed tech giants dependent on foreign supply chains. Companies like Apple temporarily breathed a sigh of relief when smartphones and other key devices were spared.
But Lutnick’s remarks made it clear that the administration views these goods as essential to national security, and therefore subject to future trade actions. He also hinted that a new round of “semiconductor tariffs” could be announced in the coming months, potentially reversing the short-lived leniency.
For now, consumers and tech companies alike may be operating on borrowed time. If you’ve been putting off buying a new laptop or smartphone, the window before another price surge may be closing fast.