Donald Trump has clarified that Chinese-made smartphones and other electronics will not be exempt from tariffs, explaining they are instead being moved to a different “tariff bucket.” This announcement comes after European stock markets rose Monday following Friday’s news that these products would avoid levies of up to 145%.
China has urged Trump to “completely cancel” his tariff regime and “return to the right path of mutual respect.”
US officials indicated on Sunday that these products would instead face a “semiconductor tariff,” with Trump expected to provide additional details later. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed this new levy would supplement the global tariffs the US imposed earlier this month, which were subsequently paused for 90 days.
“We need our medicines and we need semiconductors and our electronics to be built in America,” Lutnick stated.
A US customs notice released Saturday revealed smartphones, computers, and certain other electronic devices would be excluded from the 125% tariff on Chinese imports. However, Trump took to social media to dispute reports of exemptions, insisting these products were simply being recategorized under different tariff classifications.
“We are taking a look at semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations,” Trump wrote, promising a Monday update regarding semiconductor duties.
Semiconductors, which are essential components in everyday devices like smartphones and laptops, form the fundamental building blocks of modern computing technology.
On Monday, Sony announced a 10% price increase for its PlayStation 5 console in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, citing a “challenging economic environment,” inflation, and fluctuating exchange rates. No price increases were announced for the United States.
The Chinese commerce ministry described Trump’s initial exemptions as a “small step” by the US and said Beijing was “evaluating the impact” of the move. However, the Trump administration’s indication of future levies may diminish hopes for reduced trade tensions between the two economic rivals.
When asked whether Trump had plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CBS’s Face the Nation, “Right now we don’t have any plans on that.”
Trump imposed a 54% tariff on Chinese imports in early April before escalating to the current 145% rate. In response, China implemented its own retaliatory tariffs, starting at 34% on US goods before increasing to 84% and then 125%, which took effect Saturday.
When announcing its latest tariffs, China’s commerce ministry warned it would “fight to the end” if the US “insists on provoking a tariff war or trade war.”
While traveling to Miami on Saturday, Trump indicated he would provide more details about the exemptions at the beginning of the week.
The White House has defended its use of tariffs as a negotiating tactic to secure more favorable trade terms from other countries. Trump maintains his policy will address inequities in global trade while bringing jobs and manufacturing back to the US.
However, his trade interventions have caused significant stock market volatility and raised concerns about potential declines in global trade that could negatively impact jobs and economic growth worldwide.
About the author
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Teen Killer Faces Murder Trial After Fatal School Stabbing
A 15-year-old defendant is scheduled to stand trial for murder charges following the fatal stabbing of Harvey Willgoose, also 15, at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield on February 3. The accused teenager, whose identity remains protected by law, has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter charges but maintains innocence regarding the murder charge. The trial will commence Monday at Sheffield Crown Court. The defendant has also acknowledged possession of a bladed weapon in connection with the incident. Harvey Willgoose sustained fatal injuries after being stabbed through the heart during the February incident at the Sheffield school. The event generated widespread shock throughout Sheffield and across the country. The victim has been admitted guilty to possessing a bladed article as part of the charges. At Harvey's February funeral service, family and friends remembered him as a "social butterfly" who […]
Government Modifies Welfare Reforms Following Criticism, Vote Scheduled for Next Week
The Government has announced significant changes to its welfare reform proposals ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote next week, following widespread criticism of what opponents labeled a "two-tier" system for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed confidence that the Government would secure victory in the upcoming vote, stating that the modifications "have put us in a much better position" and provide "peace of mind" to current PIP recipients. The original welfare package proposed restricting PIP eligibility across all recipients, but the Government has now revised its approach. Following pressure from backbench MPs and the threat of a rebellion, the changes will now apply only to new applicants, protecting existing recipients from reassessment. Streeting defended this approach as standard practice for policy transitions, comparing it to changes in student finance systems. "When things change and evolve as […]
Prime Minister Addresses Welfare Reform at Welsh Labour Conference
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the Welsh Labour conference, stating that while there is consensus on the need for welfare system reform, Labour will maintain support for vulnerable people. Speaking in Llandudno following recent policy reversals prompted by parliamentary opposition, Starmer emphasized that reforms must align with Labour principles. "We cannot take away the safety net that vulnerable people rely on, and we won't, but we also can't let it become a snare for those who can and want to work," the Prime Minister stated. Starmer characterized the current welfare system as requiring urgent attention, citing daily failures, challenges facing young people, and escalating costs. He described reform as "a moral imperative" while maintaining it must be approached "in a Labour way." The Prime Minister praised Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, describing her as a "fierce champion" and "the […]
Irish Rap Trio Kneecap Performs at Glastonbury Amid Controversy
Belfast-based rap group Kneecap took to the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, with member Mo Chara declaring "Glastonbury, I'm a free man" during their performance. The trio has been subject to significant media attention following charges against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, related to a terror offence. Prior to their stage appearance, news broadcasts containing criticism of the hip hop group played through the sound system, which were met with boos from festival attendees. Festival organizers restricted access to the West Holts Stage area approximately 45 minutes before the performance as crowds gathered, displaying Irish and Palestinian flags. Leading up to the Somerset festival, multiple politicians requested the group's removal from the lineup. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated their performance would not be "appropriate". The BBC announced on Saturday that they […]
Body Found in Coventry Woods: Two Men Charged in Connection with Missing Woman Case
Two men have appeared in court following charges related to the disappearance of 34-year-old Reanne Coulson, who went missing in May. West Midlands Police discovered a body in Binley Woods, located on the outskirts of Coventry, on Friday afternoon. The family of Ms Coulson has been informed of this development. Mohammed Durnion, aged 42, was charged with murder and appeared before Coventry Magistrates' Court on Saturday. He has been remanded in custody and will face a preliminary hearing at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday. A second individual, Adam Moore, 38, from Coventry, has been charged with assisting an offender. Moore also appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Saturday and is scheduled to appear at Warwick Crown Court on July 24, where he will remain in custody. Ms Coulson was last observed in the city during May. Her family became concerned […]
Related
US Cuts Tariffs on UK Cars and PlanesโBut Steel Industry Left Behind
Tariff reductions for UK automotive and aerospace sectors have taken effect following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's completion of negotiations for relief from US import duties. UK car manufacturers exporting to America now face a reduced 10% tariff quota, down from the previous 27.5%, while aerospace companies will see a 10% levy eliminated completely. Sir Keir described the agreement as a "historic trade deal" with the US, secured after President Donald Trump implemented import taxes as part of his "liberation day" tariffs affecting countries globally. The Prime Minister and US President finalized the sectoral agreement during the G7 summit, though steel tariffs remain at 25% instead of being reduced to zero as initially negotiated. Discussions continue regarding securing 0% tariffs on core UK steel products destined for US markets. Trump's executive order indicates the US seeks guarantees regarding UK steel […]
Government Modifies Welfare Reforms Following Criticism, Vote Scheduled for Next Week
The Government has announced significant changes to its welfare reform proposals ahead of a crucial parliamentary vote next week, following widespread criticism of what opponents labeled a "two-tier" system for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) recipients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed confidence that the Government would secure victory in the upcoming vote, stating that the modifications "have put us in a much better position" and provide "peace of mind" to current PIP recipients. The original welfare package proposed restricting PIP eligibility across all recipients, but the Government has now revised its approach. Following pressure from backbench MPs and the threat of a rebellion, the changes will now apply only to new applicants, protecting existing recipients from reassessment. Streeting defended this approach as standard practice for policy transitions, comparing it to changes in student finance systems. "When things change and evolve as […]
Trump Strikes Iran After Israeli Attack Kills 600 As Western Media Bias Exposed
On June 22, American warplanes entered Iranian airspace and dropped 14 bombs following Israeli military action that resulted in 600 Iranian casualties. US President Donald Trump, accompanied by his vice president and two secretaries, announced that "Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace." The attack occurred during Israel's 12-day military operation against Iran. Western media coverage during this period focused primarily on Israelis in bunkers rather than Iranian civilian casualties, including children affected by the conflict. This pattern extends to Gaza coverage over the past 20 months. Official counts report over 55,000 deaths, with some estimates suggesting higher numbers. Most hospitals and schools in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have declared Israel's actions constitute genocide, though most Western media outlets avoid using this […]
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire Deal Within One Week
President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching a Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating he believes an agreement could be achieved within a week. Speaking to reporters Friday, Trump made the unexpected announcement after discussing the situation with unspecified parties involved in ceasefire efforts. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire," he added, without identifying his contacts. Al Jazeera's Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, noted that while Trump's comments would be "welcome news" to Gaza's population, she cautioned that "no negotiations at this moment happening anywhere in the region" are currently taking place. Odeh explained that ceasefire discussions have increased significantly following the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire. However, she noted Israel's reluctance to discuss ending the war, with Netanyahu potentially facing […]
Iran Holds Massive State Funeral For 60 War Dead As Trump Threatens More Strikes
Iran conducted a state funeral for approximately 60 people killed during its recent 12-day conflict with Israel, including military commanders and nuclear scientists. Coffins draped in Iranian flags and bearing portraits of the deceased were displayed near Tehran's Enghelab Square, surrounded by large crowds of mourners. The conflict concluded with a ceasefire after the United States intervened by bombing key Iranian nuclear facilities. Crowds dressed in black chanted slogans, waved Iranian flags, and carried portraits of those killed. Authorities encouraged participation through media campaigns and provided free transportation, while government offices closed for the day. Among those buried was Mohammad Bagheri, Iran's highest-ranking military officer and chief of staff of the armed forces. Bagheri was interred alongside his wife and daughter, who died in an Israeli strike. Iranian authorities reported 627 total deaths in Iran, while Israeli officials stated 28 […]
Trump Claims Victory After Iran Strike And Multiple Foreign Policy Wins
Donald Trump began the week expressing frustration over Iran and Israel's fragile ceasefire situation, but concluded with celebratory White House appearances following several political victories. The president appeared triumphant during an extended news conference, highlighting his accomplishments across multiple fronts. Iran Strike and Ceasefire Achievement The US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21 preceded Trump's announcement of a "complete and total" ceasefire in what he called the "12-day war" between Israel and Iran. Initial developments proved challenging. Iran launched ballistic missiles at a US airbase in Qatar shortly before the ceasefire announcement, raising concerns about regional escalation. Both sides faced accusations of ceasefire violations, prompting Trump's heated response to reporters. Trump acknowledged he barely persuaded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt additional attacks on Iran. However, the ceasefire ultimately maintained stability, allowing Trump to claim success […]
Be the first to leave a comment