[Source/Observer Network, Wang Yi] Will the Trump administration impose "reciprocal tariffs" on smartphones, computers, and other electronic products and components? In recent days, some Chinese merchants who supply products to American companies like Apple and Tesla have been closely following the farce of the U.S. government quietly exempting certain electronics from tariffs only to deny it later, hoping to find a definitive answer from it.

According to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post on April 14, the previous quiet exemption of certain electronics and components by the Trump administration actually acknowledged the indispensable position of China in the global high-tech product supply chain. However, the administration's attitude shifted on the 13th, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for China, allowing Chinese enterprises time to break through critical bottlenecks with market-driven solutions.

On the evening of the 11th local time, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) quietly revised the tariff regulations, exempting "reciprocal tariffs" on smartphones, computers, and other electronic products and components. This exemption did not exclude Chinese products. Analysts told the South China Morning Post that this move seemed to recognize China's indispensable status in the global high-tech product supply chain.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2024, the United States imported approximately $10 billion worth of exempted electronic products, accounting for about 23% of total U.S. imports. Of the total import value of all exempted products, 26% came from China, with 81% of smartphones and 78% of computer monitors originating from China.

The New York Times reported on the 12th that factories producing iPhones, laptops, and other electronic products are deeply rooted in Asia, especially China. Without strong incentives, these factories are unlikely to relocate.

In 2017, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., visited a factory in China. Apple Inc.

"Apple's supply chain still heavily relies on the precision manufacturing capabilities of enterprises in the Pearl River Delta region of China," said Zhu Keli, founding dean of the China Academy of New Economy Research. These realities forced Washington to make concessions, similar to the tariff exemptions for steel in the past."

Professor Chen Zhiwu of the University of Hong Kong analyzed that the exemptions provided by the Trump administration for these "high-profile items" may be due to considerations of protecting the political interests of Trump and his Republican allies, as these products are crucial to the daily lives of Americans.

As Trump continued to raise tariff rates on Chinese goods, many American consumers, worried that companies might soon start raising prices, rushed to stores to stock up on high-priced items like iPhones and refrigerators. The Wall Street Journal reported on the 14th that these products have no substitutes in the U.S., and due to the heavy impact of rising inflation on consumers in recent years, price increases are unpopular.

On April 13 local time, U.S. Commerce Secretary Rettig confirmed that electronics face new tariffs. Video screenshot.

Foreign media generally interpreted Trump's remarks as indicating more tariffs on electronics are on the way. Commerce Secretary Rettig echoed Trump's remarks in an interview the same day, stating that the current exemptions are just temporary deferrals, and these electronic devices will face separate and "non-negotiable" tariffs in the coming months.

The South China Morning Post analysis pointed out that Washington's latest statement emphasized that its long-term strategy remains to suppress China, and the exemptions may just be their short-term tactical retreat.

Moreover, some small and medium-sized Chinese manufacturers told the paper that regardless of whether Trump exempts certain electronics and components, they would hardly benefit because the current three-digit tariffs have effectively cut off exports.

Mark Li, co-founder of Hippobot Technology, a pool robot manufacturer, said that the exemption mainly targets high-end electronics such as precision instruments, and the "threshold is quite high."

Researcher Bai Ming of the Institute of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce suggested that even if the U.S. grants exemptions, Chinese enterprises should actively adjust their market strategies. It is now clear that "the U.S. is still committed to its goal of bringing manufacturing back," so Chinese enterprises should have a long-term plan to promote the integration of domestic and foreign trade, rather than treating it as a short-term emergency measure.

Zhu Keli believed that the erratic policies of Washington could be beneficial in the medium term for Chinese manufacturers, as once multinational corporations realize they can lobby to cancel tariffs, their urgency to restructure supply chains may decrease.

"China should seize this opportunity to enhance the resilience of its industrial chain and rely on market-driven solutions to break through critical bottlenecks," Zhu Keli stated.

Analysts told The Wall Street Journal that these exemptions highlight the chaotic essence of Trump's trade policy. Usually, technology company executives do not publicly criticize Trump's tariff policies, but since February when trade uncertainty surged, only a few technology companies, including HP Inc. and Dell Technologies Group, have released earnings reports. These tech companies warned that tariff uncertainties will impact their businesses.

France 24 reported on the 14th that while Trump's tariff policies and subsequent reversals have impacted the U.S. economy—investors dumping U.S. Treasuries, the dollar plummeting, and consumer confidence plummeting—the Chinese have consistently portrayed themselves as a stable role model, replacing the unpredictable U.S. and attracting countries startled by the global economic storms brought about by the U.S.

In response to the repeated modifications of U.S. tariff policies, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded at a regular press conference on the 14th, stating that the Ministry of Commerce spokesperson had already expressed China's stance. Facts have and will continue to prove that tariff wars and trade wars have no winners, protectionism has no way out, and U.S. abuse of tariffs harms both others and itself. We urge the U.S. to abandon its extreme pressure tactics and solve problems through dialogue on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

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Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493090356344308275/

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