The Trump administration’s recent decision to exempt various electronic devices from reciprocal tariffs has been clarified as a temporary measure, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Speaking on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, Lutnick emphasized that these exemptions are not permanent and will soon be replaced by targeted semiconductor tariffs.
On Friday, the administration announced a temporary reprieve for products such as smartphones, computers, flat-screen televisions, and other electronics. These items were removed from the sweeping reciprocal tariffs imposed earlier this month. However, Lutnick explained that these same products would soon fall under a new tariff regime focused on semiconductors. These sector-specific tariffs are expected to take effect within the next one to two months.
“All those products are going to come under semiconductors, and they’re going to have a special focus type of tariff to make sure that those products get reshored,” Lutnick stated. He added that the aim is to encourage domestic manufacturing of critical components like chips and flat panels, which are essential for national security.
The administration’s broader strategy centers on reducing reliance on foreign supply chains, particularly in Asia. The forthcoming semiconductor tariffs are part of a policy designed to incentivize companies to relocate production to the United States. “We need to have semiconductors, we need to have chips, and we need to have flat panels, we need to have these things made in America,” Lutnick said.
These measures align with President Trump’s ongoing efforts to reshape global trade dynamics and prioritize U.S.-based manufacturing. The administration has also indicated that these sectoral tariffs are non-negotiable, underscoring their importance to national security.
The temporary exemption has provided short-term relief for technology companies heavily reliant on global supply chains. Firms like Apple, which assembles most of its iPhones in China, stand to benefit in the interim. However, the impending semiconductor tariffs could significantly alter cost structures and supply chain strategies for these companies.
Industry leaders have expressed mixed reactions. While the exemptions help stabilize supply chains in the short term, the looming tariffs create uncertainty. John Mitchell, CEO of global electronics industry association IPC, noted that predictable trade policies are crucial for fostering innovation and maintaining competitiveness.
A formal notice regarding the semiconductor tariffs is expected soon, with implementation anticipated within 30 to 60 days. The administration’s focus remains on reshoring critical industries and ensuring that essential technologies are produced domestically.
As these policies unfold, businesses and consumers alike will need to brace for potential price increases on electronics and related goods. The temporary relief may provide some breathing room, but the long-term implications of these tariffs could reshape the global electronics market.
For now, the message from Washington is clear: while some electronics enjoy a brief reprieve from reciprocal tariffs, they will soon face new levies aimed at bolstering domestic production and safeguarding national security.
