U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday refuted claims that his administration had granted a tariff “exception” for electronics like smartphones and chips, sending shockwaves through global tech markets. His statement, posted on Truth Social, cast doubt on earlier interpretations that consumer tech products would be temporarily spared from the sweeping 125% reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports.
“There was no Tariff ‘exception’ announced on Friday,” Trump asserted. “These products are subject to the existing 20% fentanyl tariffs — they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’”
The confusion stems from a Friday bulletin by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which appeared to exclude several electronics — including smartphones, laptops, and chips — from the latest tariff wave. The announcement was initially seen as a relief for major manufacturers like Apple and Nvidia, whose supply chains rely heavily on China.
However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick attempted to clarify the situation on Sunday, noting that these electronics were not permanently exempt. Instead, he said, they would be subject to new semiconductor-specific tariffs expected in the next one to two months as part of a broader “reshoring” strategy.
Trump’s latest remarks suggest an even tougher stance, hinting at sweeping scrutiny under “National Security Tariff Investigations” targeting the entire electronics supply chain. “We will not be held hostage by hostile trading nations like China,” Trump said.
The back-and-forth has rattled confidence among electronics makers, with industry analysts warning of renewed pressure on companies like Apple and Nvidia, which initially welcomed what appeared to be a reprieve. With clarity still elusive, markets are bracing for further volatility as Washington’s tariff stance evolves.
