Trump excludes smartphones, computers, chips from tariffs

The Verge - Apr 12th, 2025

The Trump administration has announced an exemption for smartphones, computers, and other electronics from tariffs, even those imported from China, as reported by Bloomberg. This update came late last night when US Customs and Border Protection updated its guidance to exclude these products from tariffs. The exemptions also apply to machines used by companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. to produce semiconductors. This decision follows Trump's earlier move to implement a '90-day pause' on higher tariff rates for most countries, while still increasing tariffs on Chinese imports. Companies have had varied reactions, including Nintendo pausing Switch 2 preorders and Apple importing a large shipment of iPhones from India ahead of the tariffs going into effect.

The decision to exempt these key electronic products from tariffs is significant in the context of the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. By exempting electronics, a major sector affected by global trade policies, the Trump administration aims to mitigate potential disruptions in the tech industry and consumer markets. This move could prevent price hikes on popular consumer electronics and ease the concerns of tech companies reliant on Chinese manufacturing. However, it also highlights the complexity and unpredictability of the trade war dynamics, as companies like OnePlus are adjusting pricing strategies in response to these rapid policy changes.

Apple Nintendo Trump Administration Tariffs Us China Trade War Smartphones Computers Electronics Exemption Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. One Plus

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RATING

6.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the Trump administration's decision to exempt certain electronics from tariffs, which is a significant development in US-China trade relations. Its strength lies in its straightforward presentation and the use of a reputable source like Bloomberg. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations and perspectives to enhance its accuracy, balance, and transparency. While it effectively highlights immediate reactions from companies, it lacks depth in exploring the broader economic and political implications of the exemptions. Overall, the story is informative but could be more comprehensive in its analysis and presentation of diverse viewpoints.

Accuracy

The article claims that the Trump administration has exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronics from tariffs, citing Bloomberg as the source. This is generally accurate, as similar details are corroborated by other reputable sources. However, the article lacks specific details about the exemption process and the precise list of exempted items, which are crucial for full verification. The mention of US Customs and Border Protection updating its guidance aligns with the typical procedure in such cases, but the article does not provide direct evidence or quotes from official documents. Additionally, the article's claim about companies' reactions, like Apple's rush to import iPhones, is plausible but would benefit from more direct evidence or quotes from the companies involved.

Balance

The article primarily presents the developments from the perspective of the Trump administration's actions and the immediate reactions from companies. It does not delve deeply into the broader economic or political implications of these exemptions, nor does it provide perspectives from stakeholders who might oppose the exemptions, such as domestic manufacturers or political opponents. The lack of diverse viewpoints suggests a slight imbalance, as it focuses more on the actions and less on the potential controversies or criticisms that might arise from these policy decisions.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation, using straightforward language to describe the exemptions and the reactions of companies. However, the structure could be improved by providing more detailed explanations of the terms used, such as '90-day pause' and how it interacts with the tariff exemptions. The mention of companies' actions, like Nintendo's decision to pause preorders, is not fully explained, which might confuse readers unfamiliar with the context.

Source quality

The article cites Bloomberg, a well-regarded news outlet known for its focus on business and economic news, which lends credibility to the report. However, the article does not directly quote or reference any primary sources, such as official statements from the Trump administration or US Customs and Border Protection. While Bloomberg is a reliable source, the lack of primary source attribution slightly diminishes the overall authority of the article.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in explaining the methodology behind the exemptions and does not provide detailed context about the broader trade policy environment. It mentions the '90-day pause' on tariffs but does not elaborate on the rationale or expected outcomes. The absence of direct quotes or official documents also limits the transparency of the reporting, as readers are left without a clear understanding of the basis for these claims.