Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump pushed back on reports that certain electronics had been exempted from his sweeping tariff plan, saying in a Truth Social post that products like smartphones and laptops are still subject to existing 20% fentanyl-related tariffs.
The White House, however, confirmed late Friday that smartphones, computers, and other tech components were excluded from the latest round of reciprocal tariffs, according to updated guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket,’” Trump wrote, adding that upcoming national security investigations will target semiconductors and the broader electronics supply chain.
“Nobody is off the hook for unfair trade—especially not China,” he added.
Earlier today, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that smartphones, computers, and certain other electronics will be subject to a separate set of tariffs, including semiconductors, which could be implemented within the next month.
The apparent contradiction came after Trump imposed 145% tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods earlier this month, a move that raised concerns for major U.S. tech companies like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), which relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing.
The updated guidance from CBP late Friday evening listed temporary exemptions for a range of electronics and components, including semiconductors, solar cells, flat-panel displays, flash drives, and memory cards.
The White House said Saturday the exclusions were intended to give U.S. companies time to shift production stateside.
“At the direction of the President, these companies are hustling to onshore their manufacturing in the United States as soon as possible,” said White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai.
“President Trump has made it clear America cannot rely on China to manufacture critical technologies such as semiconductors, chips, smartphones, and laptops.”