The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has released new guidance confirming that smartphones, laptops, and other essential tech components will be exempt from the up-to-145% retaliatory tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imports from China.
This move can be seen as a indirectly positive news to industrial parks in Vietnam that attract high-tech FDI and export to the U.S.
After days of asserting a tough stance and pledging to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., this sudden delay in enforcement caught many by surprise.
Previously: The main reason the White House announced a 90-day tariff delay
CBP Confirms Exempted Items Include:
Smartphones
Laptops
Semiconductors
Solar batteries, flash drives, memory cards, and flat-panel TV displays
While these products may still face additional duties in the future, the rates will likely be far lower than the originally announced 145%.
Apple Breathes a Sigh of Relief, Investors Rejoice
This exemption has been hailed as a lifesaver for tech giants like Apple, which manufactures most of its products in China—accounting for 80% of global iPad production and over half of all Mac computers.
According to Reuters, Apple reportedly chartered a flight to ship 600 tons of iPhones—roughly 1.2 million units—from India to the U.S. earlier this week.
“This is a dream scenario for tech investors,”
— Dan Ives, Global Head of Tech Research, Wedbush Securities, told CNBC.
“The exemption of smartphones and chips is a game-changing moment in the tariff war.”
Ives further stressed that without this move, Big Tech would’ve faced a doomsday scenario. He believes the strong pushback from top tech CEOs compelled the White House to reconsider.
Short-Term Damage & Market Reactions
Immediately after the tariff announcements, Apple’s market value plunged by more than $640 billion, according to CNBC.
Meanwhile, the U.S. stock market experienced severe turbulence. The S&P 500 dropped over 5%, while 10-year Treasury yields jumped by more than 50 basis points—one of the largest spikes in recent history.
Signs of De-Escalation from the White House?
Analysts believe this reversal was partly driven by market pressure and growing investor concern.
In addition to tech exemptions, the White House recently announced a temporary 10% universal tariff for most countries—excluding China—for the next 90 days.
Under the new CBP guidelines, exempted products must leave warehouses no earlier than April 5, 2025, ensuring a clear timeline for implementation.
What’s Next?
For now, the tech world may breathe a sigh of relief—but the trade storm isn’t over.
China remains a critical hub for global electronics manufacturing, and any further escalation could reignite instability across supply chains.
“Tariffs are always a looming dark cloud over tech,” said Dan Ives.
“But at least this time, we’ve dodged the biggest storm.”
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