President Donald Trump’s administration has officially removed smartphones, laptops, and other key electronics from a new 10% base tariff targeting global imports. The rule, confirmed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, also exempts these products from the separate 145% tariff list aimed at goods from China.
This decision helps keep the cost of everyday devices stable. Many of these items, such as iPhones and laptops, are rarely made in the United States. The move is seen as a step back from the White House’s earlier hardline stance on foreign trade.
Electronics Excluded from Tariff Hike
The updated rule covers goods that entered the U.S. or left bonded warehouses after April 5. It includes not only phones and computers but also semiconductors, solar panels, memory cards, and a wide range of high-tech parts.
Apple is one of the biggest winners from this change. Around 90% of iPhones are made in China. According to Wedbush Securities, Apple remains closely tied to Chinese suppliers, making a tariff exemption vital for its business.
Industry experts say the new rule provides relief to U.S. tech companies that depend on global supply chains. Without the exemption, prices for popular devices could have surged, affecting both companies and consumers.
White House Adjusts Trade Strategy Again
This isn’t the first time the Trump administration has adjusted its tariff policies. Although the original plan aimed to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., officials now seem to recognize the limits of that approach in the tech sector.
The White House admitted that shifting complex global supply chains back to the U.S. is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Many of the components affected by the tariffs simply aren’t produced domestically.
“This carve-out reflects the reality of how tech products are made,” said a trade analyst in Washington. “There just aren’t U.S. factories for many of these parts.”
The administration has faced increasing pressure from both political and commercial circles to limit the impact of its trade policies. Experts say tech-related exceptions are often more about avoiding economic damage than reviving manufacturing.
Apple Maintains Production in China
Despite rising tariffs on Chinese electronics, Apple has no plans to move iPhone production to the U.S. The company has been building phones in China for nearly 20 years and depends on a deeply integrated supply network.
Building new factories in the U.S. would take years and cost billions. Analysts say such a move could triple iPhone prices and sharply reduce demand.
“Apple can’t afford to make iPhones in the U.S. right now,” one expert noted. “It’s not just about cost. It’s also about the speed and scale they can achieve in China.”
Even with a 145% tariff on some Chinese tech products, Apple continues its production strategy abroad. The new tariff exemption makes it easier for the company to keep costs under control and avoid major disruptions.
Global Tech Supply Chains Still Rule
The tariff rollback highlights how deeply the U.S. tech sector relies on international manufacturing. From chips to screens, key parts come from Asia, especially China. For now, the U.S. lacks the factories and skilled workforce needed to replace those sources.
While the administration says it still wants to support American factories, this policy shift shows a growing awareness of global economic realities. Analysts believe more changes could follow as the White House tries to balance political goals with market needs.