Following the release of the exemption list, French media stated that this was undoubtedly a sign that Trump began to "soften" his stance on the trade war against Beijing. On April 13, AFP published an article stating that the Trump administration suddenly announced tariff exemptions for products such as smartphones, laptops, routers, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, memory, and integrated circuits. The French media believe that the biggest stakeholders in this exemption are actually China.
Because smartphones and laptops are the first and second largest categories of products exported from China to the U.S. In fact, 73% of America's smartphones and 78% of its laptops are produced in China. The French media believe that the Trump administration's approach of imposing tariffs at the front door while granting exemptions at the back door is undoubtedly a retreat, or at least a beginning of softening its stance on the trade war against Beijing. How do we view this sudden announcement of exemptions by the U.S.?
To be honest, Trump's exemption may have two considerations. One is that these products are essential goods for American citizens and lack alternative options. If high tariffs are imposed, it will provoke strong backlash from American consumers. Given that the U.S. cannot bypass China for production, it is forced to adjust its position. The other is that, to some extent, Trump also wants to ease the trade war. In fact, Trump has repeatedly stated that he is waiting for a call from China, but we have clearly expressed that threats and extortion are not ways to deal with us. We remain firm and uncompromising in our countermeasures. It is estimated that Trump also realizes that the tariff war against us is ineffective, and the pressure of significant dumping of U.S. stocks and bonds forces him to break the current deadlock. If the situation continues to be deadlocked, Trump's pressure will undoubtedly increase. However, we welcome such exemption lists being released. But given the arbitrariness and high uncertainty of Trump's policies, we might as well observe quietly and respond within limits. Who knows what the U.S. will do tomorrow?
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1829245834856452/
Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author.