Trump Hints at New Chip Tariffs After Electronics Exemption

On Sunday, President Trump indicated his intention to impose new tariffs on the computer chips used in smartphones and other technologies. This announcement followed just two days after his administration exempted a range of electronics from the significant import taxes recently implemented on goods from China.

This move occurred as Trump's leading economic advisors worked to clarify their changing strategy. For weeks, they had maintained that no company or industry would be exempt from the fees imposed to reshape U.S. trade relationships.

The technology companies received a temporary reprieve through a Customs and Border Protection rule issued late Friday. This rule excluded high-tech imports from Trump's reciprocal tariffs, including those on China. While the president had previously paused a set of tariffs on nearly 60 countries, his administration proceeded with a new 145 percent tax on Chinese exports, which was announced after China responded with retaliatory measures.

The exemptions in the C.B.P. rule encompassed a broad range of products, including computers, smartphones, modems, and flash drives. This was a significant win for Apple and other major U.S. technology companies that depend on Chinese factories for manufacturing essential components and popular devices. According to sources familiar with the company's actions, Apple executives had even been in communication with Trump administration officials regarding the Chinese tariffs in the days leading up to the announcement. The company chose not to comment on the matter.