Apple, Dell Breathe Sigh of Relief as Trump Team Eyes Electronics Tariff Exemptions

Tech giants are cautiously welcoming leaked details of Trump’s proposed tariff exemptions for consumer electronics, which would spare approximately $387 billion worth of annual imports from steep new China levies. The plan specifically excludes:

✓ Smartphones and tablets
✓ Laptops and desktop computers
✓ Gaming consoles and wearables

Industry lobbyists had warned blanket tariffs could:
• Add $120 to average device costs
• Disrupt holiday supply chains
• Accelerate manufacturing shifts to Vietnam/India

“Consumer tech is different from steel – you can’t just rebuild those supply chains overnight,” said a White House adviser speaking anonymously. The exclusions align with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to avoid “visible consumer pain” while maintaining tough-on-China rhetoric.

However, the proposal still targets:
• Network equipment (35% tariff)
• EV components (50%)
• Green tech imports (45%)