On Friday the Trump administration announced that they will be exempting some critical electronics from tariffs on all nations.
The move, announced via U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), spares nearly 20 categories of tech products—including laptops, phones, memory chips, and semiconductors—from the 125% tariffs imposed under Executive Order 14257.
While the White House insists this exemption is about “strategic alignment,” many America-first conservatives see it as a glaring concession to Big Tech, globalist interests, and the Chinese Communist Party.
This exemption is undoubtedly a windfall for corporate giants like Apple, which assembles most of its devices in Chinese factories while making billions in profit.
By carving out exemptions for electronics, the administration effectively shields these multinational firms from the economic pain that was supposed to drive supply chains back to U.S. soil.
For everyday Americans expecting bold action to restore domestic manufacturing, the optics are less than ideal.
CBP’s filing clarifies that importers will have to follow strict reporting procedures, use designated tariff subheadings, and possibly file corrections to receive the exemption or apply for refunds. Further guidance is expected soon.
This move comes amid a full-blown trade war between the United States and China. The Chinese regime—long accused of predatory trade practices, forced tech transfers, and outright intellectual property theft—had retaliated to Trump’s earlier tariff hike by slapping an 84% tax on all U.S. imports. That was in response to Trump raising duties on Chinese goods to 104%.
But the Trump administration didn’t flinch. In a matter of hours, the President escalated again, slamming Chinese imports with a 125% tariff.
Trump explained his decision on Truth Social, writing: “Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World’s Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China… to 125%, effective immediately… China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A. are no longer sustainable.”
Trump also announced a temporary 90-day tariff pause—reducing reciprocal tariffs to just 10%—for over 75 countries that have been cooperating with the U.S. on trade and have refrained from retaliating. This measured pause appears to be part of a broader effort to isolate China while rallying allies to America’s side.
While initial reports claimed the new China tariff stood at 125%, later clarification from the White House revealed the actual rate is 145%.
This figure includes earlier 20% duties tied to fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration—areas where China has also played a troubling role. In short, Beijing isn’t just in Washington’s crosshairs over trade—it’s being held accountable across multiple fronts.
The tariff carve-out may help keep consumer electronics affordable in the short term, but it also raises serious concerns about undermining the goal of rebuilding America’s industrial strength.