Smartphones and laptops among items excluded from reciprocal tariffs, US says

Electronics such as smartphones and laptops will be excluded from reciprocal tariffs, the Trump administration has said.

The move could help keep prices down for popular consumer items that are not usually made in the US.

Machines used to make semiconductors and flat-panel monitors would also be exempt, US Customs and Border Protection said.

Tech firms, including Apple and Samsung, have struggled in the stock market since tariffs were announced, as semiconductors and other essential electronics are mainly produced in countries that were hard-hit by levies.

The US and China in particular have been locked in an escalating trade dispute since the start of the month, as both countries ratcheted up tariffs on imports.

After Donald Trump announced a 34% levy on China on “Liberation Day,” Beijing responded by introducing tariffs of the same rate on American imports.

The US president then added another 50% tariff atop the 34% and warned China not to retaliate. In turn, Chinese officials called the tariffs “bullying” and raised levies again to 84%.

Mr Trump then raised levies on most Chinese goods to 145% as he paused all tariffs higher than 10% for 90 days, prompting Beijing to raise their US import rates to 125%.

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