Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reiterated his determination to impose tariffs on electronic products, including semiconductors.
On the 13th (local time), President Trump stated through his social media account, Truth Social, that he did not clarify that smartphones and PCs would be exempt from tariffs last Friday (April 11). He explained that these products are subject to the existing 20% fentanyl tariff and are simply being moved to a different tariff category.
Earlier, President Trump specified the electronic product items that would be exempt from reciprocal tariffs on the 11th, and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency announced this information.
According to the CBP, electronic products, including semiconductors, are exempt from the 125% reciprocal tariff imposed by the U.S. on China, as well as the reciprocal tariff imposed on other countries, including South Korea (with a grace period until July 8 during which only a 10% basic tariff applies).
However, the 20% tariff imposed through a separate executive order for not cooperating in blocking the influx of the narcotic painkiller fentanyl still applies.
In response to speculation that these items might be completely exempt from tariffs, President Trump appears to have clearly expressed his intention to impose tariffs.
Senior officials from the Trump administration also stated in broadcast appearances that while the reciprocal tariff on electronic products would be exempt, tariffs would still be imposed on individual items.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in an interview with ABC that products listed in the tariff exemption list would be exempt from reciprocal tariffs but would likely be included in the semiconductor tariffs expected to come out within one or two months. Jamison Greer, the representative of the Office of the Trade Representative, also noted that this does not mean they are not subject to tariffs, but simply that they will be subject to a different system.
President Trump said, "No one will overlook non-monetary tariff barriers and unfair trade balances that other countries have leveraged against us," specifically targeting China, emphasizing, "We must manufacture products in the U.S. and will not be held hostage by other countries."