[Source/Observer Network, Shao Yun]

According to Bloomberg reports, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quietly revised its tariff rules on the evening of April 11, exempting smartphones, computers, and other electronic products and components from import tariffs, unaffected by the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" announced earlier, and without specifying any country. The Financial Times commented on April 12 that this is the first signal of Trump's easing of China tariffs.

It is reported that CBP has exempted about 20 products this time, including smartphones, laptops, hard drives, computer processors, flat-panel display screens for televisions, memory chips, and some semiconductor manufacturing equipment, applicable to goods leaving storage facilities after midnight on April 5 Eastern Time. Bloomberg pointed out that these electronic products and components are usually not produced in the United States, and it would take at least several years to establish relevant production capacity domestically. US media cited experts as saying that this indicates that, under the strong opposition of the US technology industry, the White House has "finally acknowledged the reality."

The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment, so it is unclear how long this exemption will last or whether it is a "technical arrangement" to avoid double taxation. It is also unclear whether imported smartphones from China will still be subject to the 20% tariff announced earlier by Trump.

CBP updated tariff page

However, the Financial Times still regards this move as the first signal of Trump's easing of China tariffs. Reuters also believes that this represents another "retreat" (step back) in Trump's extreme tariff policy.

US media analysis suggests that this exemption will benefit tech companies such as Apple and Samsung Electronics. CNBC cited investment bank data saying that over 80% of Apple's products are manufactured in China. Most of Apple's core products, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirTags, fall within the exempted range.

"This is a dream scenario for tech stock investors," Dan Ives, global technology research director at Wedbush Securities, said. "The exemption of smartphones and chips will be a major turning point (game changer scenario) for tariffs on China."

Ives added that since Trump's so-called "Liberation Day," tariff policies have been a "black cloud" hanging over the tech industry, with no sector being more severely affected than large tech companies. "I believe that the CEOs of tech giants have made their voices heard loud enough, and the White House must understand and listen to the situation. If tariffs are really implemented, it will be nothing short of 'doomsday' for the tech industry."

According to CNBC's report on April 11, Apple's market capitalization has fallen by more than $640 billion since Trump announced the "reciprocal tariffs." Some calculations suggest that the price of an iPhone could rise to $3,500 due to tariffs.

In his report released on April 12, Ives analyzed that this indicates that, under the strong opposition of the US tech industry, the White House has "finally acknowledged the reality." However, he reminded that there remains obvious uncertainty and volatility regarding negotiations between China and the US.

On April 2, Trump announced the imposition of so-called "reciprocal tariffs" on trading partners, claiming that this would reverse America's trade deficit, bring income to the US government, and revitalize American manufacturing. However, the policy has sparked strong criticism and concern. Affected by the US so-called "reciprocal tariffs," global stock markets have recently experienced severe fluctuations.

After US Treasury bonds were heavily sold off by investors this week, Trump announced on April 9 that the implementation of "reciprocal tariffs" for most countries would be postponed for 90 days, but retained a 10% "minimum base tariff" during this period. Although Treasury Secretary Bessent insisted that this was a "strategy" long decided by the Trump administration, Trump indirectly admitted on April 9 that his decision was influenced by market turbulence in the bond market when questioned by the media.

However, Trump did not cancel the previously announced 84% "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese goods, and posted on social media that he had increased the tariffs on China to 125%, "effective immediately." On April 10, the White House stated that adding the 20% tariffs announced in February, the actual cumulative tariff rate on China has reached 145%.

In response, the Tariff Commission of the State Council issued a notice to adjust the tariff rates specified in the announcement "on adjustments to the additional tariffs on imports from the United States" (State Council Tariff Commission Announcement No. 5 of 2025). The tariff rate was raised from 84% to 125%.

The notice stated that, given the current tariff levels, there is no market acceptance possibility for US goods entering China. If the US continues to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods, China will not respond.

On April 11, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed China's firm stance on the issue of tariffs at a regular press conference. There are no winners in a tariff war or a trade war. China does not want to engage in one, but it is not afraid to do so.

Lin emphasized that if the US truly wants to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop extreme pressure tactics and reckless behavior. China never accepts such practices. Any dialogue must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. If the US insists on engaging in a tariff war or a trade war, China will see it through to the end.

Lin pointed out that China is a responsible nation. Our countermeasures against the US bullying behavior are not only to protect our legitimate rights and interests but also to uphold international rules and order, safeguard the common interests of all countries, and maintain international fairness and justice. There is no way out for compromise or retreat in the face of US bullying behavior.

This article is an exclusive contribution by the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7492463804601877001/

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