'Nobody is getting off hook': Trump clarifies stance on electronics tariffs
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
President Donald Trump announced that Chinese semiconductors and electronics may soon become the target of a new US trade investigation. His administration is preparing another wave of tariffs on Chinese tech products, including smartphones, PCs, and chips, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social and a report by Reuters.
The president clarified that the current exemption of smartphones and computers from the tariffs would be temporary. He emphasized that semiconductors and the broader electronics supply chain would soon fall under upcoming national security investigations.
"They are just moving to a different Tariff 'bucket, '" Trump explained.
He stressed that no country would escape accountability for “unfair trade balances,” with a particular focus on China.
“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.
Trump also reiterated his belief that the US must rebuild its own manufacturing sector and not remain dependent on foreign nations.
New tariffs on Chinese electronics incoming
Last Friday, the White House announced the temporary exclusion of electronics from high reciprocal tariffs. This was seen as a brief relief for tech giants like Apple and Dell, which rely heavily on Chinese imports.
However, on Sunday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that new tariffs targeting critical tech products, including semiconductors, will be rolled out within two months.
Lutnick stated that President Trump would introduce "a special focus-type of tariff" on smartphones, computers, and other electronics, alongside sector-specific tariffs aimed at semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
He also noted that these new duties would go beyond Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs, under which levies on Chinese imports surged to 125% last week.
Apple and iPhone prices under pressure
Following the imposition of new tariffs on imports from over 180 countries, analysts warned that iPhone prices could rise by 30–40% due to higher production costs.
