The U.S. tech industry’s temporary relief from tariffs may soon come to an end, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. While consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones were recently exempted from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Lutnick revealed in a Sunday interview that these exemptions could be short-lived. He emphasized that the Trump administration is targeting semiconductors, with plans to impose new tariffs in the next couple of months, which will likely affect tech products broadly.
Lutnick further clarified that these future tariffs are aimed at reshoring critical components, such as semiconductors and flat panels, to U.S. soil. He stated that the administration’s goal is to boost domestic manufacturing, despite concerns that such tariffs may lead to higher consumer prices. While Lutnick remained optimistic about manufacturing in America, some critics have questioned the practicality of his vision.
In response to these developments, President Trump posted a statement on Truth Social, refuting claims of a permanent tariff exemption for electronics. He pointed out that electronics made in China are still subject to a 20% tariff tied to fentanyl and other issues. Trump also noted that these products are simply being moved into a different tariff category, not entirely exempted.
The news highlights a growing focus on the U.S. tech industry’s supply chain and its dependency on foreign manufacturing. As the Trump administration prepares to investigate the semiconductor industry further, the future of tech tariffs remains uncertain, and companies in the sector are bracing for potential challenges.
Source: Techcrunch