Trump Exempts Smartphones, Computers, Chips From Tariffs

The US President Donald Trump-led administration has exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronics from its punishing "reciprocal" tariffs. The recent development would reduce the cost impact on the American consumers for a host of popular high-tech products. While the general public will be benefitting from the decision of Trump, the move would also be welcomed by top electronics giants, including Apple and Samsung, who were staring at a potential increase in their costs to access the US market.

According to news agency AFP, the exemptions, published late Friday in a notice by the US Customs and Border Protection office, cover various electronic goods, including smartphones and components entering the United States from China, which are currently subject to a staggering additional 145 percent tariff.

The exclusion is being seen as a symbol that the products included may soon be subject to a different tariff. However, the report suggested that those rates will almost surely be lower than for China.