Separate US tariffs expected on smartphones and computers after exemptions raise hopes for relief

On April 12th, news broke of Trump tariff exemptions on imported smartphones and computers. That gave buyers hope that prices and supplies of popular tech goods would remain stable. Unfortunately, it appears the tariff relief on those products is only temporary. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick told ABC News that separate tariffs on various electronics could arrive as soon as one month.

Lutnick provided the latest tariff news on the ABC This Week show. He explained that upcoming semiconductor tariffs would include smartphones and computers. Lutnick didn't mention percentages, and the penalties may be less extreme than others levied on countries. Still, buyers are again wondering if they should stock up on electronics before prices spike.

Manufacturers also face a dilemma about how to respond to the chaotic Trump tariffs. Before the recent exemptions, many consumer electronics made in China faced up to 125% tariffs. Laptop makers, including Razer, Dell, and Lenovo, have halted sales for U.S. customers or stopped shipments to the country. With uncertainty surrounding import fees, these companies may not immediately resume sales.

The Trump administration wants to increase domestic manufacturing of smartphones, laptops, and other electronics. However, most economists anticipate that the process will take many years. Also, the goods produced may still cost more than Americans are paying now. Apple has resisted the idea, claiming that U.S. consumers would not benefit from more affordable iPhones.

Apple is stockpiling iPhones in India to avoid the most severe tariffs on China. The smartphones would then ship to U.S. customers. Nintendo employed a similar strategy using Vietnam-made Switch 2 consoles. Even so, the future semiconductor tariffs could target electronics, regardless of origin.