Washington: The Trump administration has taken a significant step by excluding electronics, including phones, computers, and other similar devices, from the reciprocal tariffs imposed on various countries, notably China.

According to Anadolu Agency, around 20 products will be exempt from these tariffs, as reported by US Customs and Border Protection, the body responsible for collecting import duties. The exemptions cover smartphones, computers, routers, and semiconductor chips, potentially alleviating the burden of higher electronics prices on consumers due to the hefty tariffs on Chinese goods.

This decision is particularly advantageous for companies like Apple, which depend heavily on manufacturing operations in China. However, the relief might only be temporary, as President Trump has hinted at plans to introduce sector-specific tariffs on certain products, including semiconductor chips.

Earlier this month, the White House announced an initial 10% tariff on foreign imports, coupled with higher reciprocal tariffs affecting dozens of countries, including major trading partners. Trump later stated that these higher tariffs would be reduced to 10% for a 90-day period to facilitate negotiations.

Nevertheless, this reduction did not extend to China. Instead, the tariffs on Chinese imports were increased to 125%, accompanied by a 20% levy, prompting a retaliatory response from Beijing. This escalation has raised concerns about a possible full-scale trade war between the world's two largest economies.