Trump Grants Apple Major Relief with Sweeping Tariff Exemptions

Summary

In an unexpected move late on Friday night, President Trump announced tariff exemptions for smartphones, computers, and semiconductor components, including silicon chips and fabrication machinery. This decision effectively exempts a significant portion of Apple's product line from the previously imposed 145% tariff, potentially saving the company billions in import fees.

The exemptions are retroactive to the initial 10% tariff and subsequent increases following China's retaliatory measures. However, the order leaves room for potential new tariffs on these products in the future. As of Saturday morning, the White House has not provided further details or comments on the exemption.

The U.S. and China have been engaged in a prolonged tariff dispute, with each country incrementally raising tariffs on imports from the other. The latest move by China was to increase its tariff on U.S. goods from 84% to 125%. Despite this, China has stated it does not intend to raise tariffs further, even if the U.S. does.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed optimism about a potential deal between the two countries, emphasizing that President Trump remains open to negotiations.