“NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook’ for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“There was no Tariff ‘exception’ announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’ The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it,” he continued.
The White House had announced on late Friday the exclusion of some electronic products such as smartphones and laptops from Trump’s steep new tariffs, including the 125 per cent additional levy on Chinese-produced goods
However, Trump’s commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick, said on Sunday said that the high-tech products from China would face separate new duties along with semiconductors within the next two months.
“So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption. [Trump’s] just clarifying that these are not available to be negotiated away by countries,” he told ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl on This Week.
Lutnick added: “These are things that are national security that we need to be made in America.”
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Trump’s social media post and Lutnick’s comments added further uncertainty about whether popular tech products—such as iPhones, tablets, laptop computers, and flat-panel TVs—would be spared from Trump’s proposed 145 per cent reciprocal tariffs. This means that duties on imported products could raise prices and ultimately be passed on to consumers by the companies. Experts warn that Trump’s tariff policies are adding chaos and confusion, creating a crisis moment for tech companies like Apple and Dell, which manufacture most of their products in China.
The confusion over Trump’s tariffs and the subsequent reversal has sent a shockwave through the global trading system and financial markets. However, the Trump administration maintains that the tariffs will help strengthen the US economy by bringing manufacturing back to the country and creating jobs.
The mass confusion created by this constant news flow out of the White House is dizzying for the industry and investors and creating massive uncertainty and chaos for companies trying to plan their supply chain, inventory, and demand,” Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives wrote on Sunday.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
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