In a move that brings relief to consumers and tech companies, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced exemptions from tariffs for a range of Chinese imports, including electronics such as smartphones and computers. The announcement follows weeks of concern over steep tariffs, which led to a surge in consumer demand as people rushed to buy electronics before price hikes took effect.
Among the exempted items are flash drives, memory cards, SSDs, solar panels, semiconductors, and television displays. These exemptions apply to goods that departed warehouses on or after 12:01 AM (ET), April 5, 2025, according to CNBC.
Over the weekend, the CBP released a list of 20 tariff codes now excluded from the higher rates. While the exact category for each code isn’t immediately obvious, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) database can be used for verification.
For example, 8517.13.00 corresponds to smartphones, while 8486 covers machinery used to manufacture semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, or flat panel displays.
Tech Giants Unlikely to be Affected by Tariffs
Tech companies like Google and Samsung had already taken steps to mitigate the impact, with the bulk of their manufacturing moved outside China to countries such as Vietnam and India. Samsung also confirmed that its television operations won’t be affected, as most of its US-bound TVs are produced in Mexico.
On the other hand, companies like Apple and OnePlus, which still rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing, were more vulnerable. As reported by CNBC, over 50% of Apple’s computers and about 80% of its iPads are assembled in China.
With these new exemptions, the 125% tariff on Chinese goods within the listed 20 product categories will no longer apply. Additionally, a 10% tariff on imports from other countries is also lifted for these items. However, a separate 20% tariff will continue to be levied on all Chinese imports, as CNBC notes.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available data and announcements as of April 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to consult official government sources or legal experts for detailed tariff classifications and business implications.
