Trump "Electronic products are not exempt from tariffs"... Steps in to clarify amidst confusion

Trump's social media, dismissing the interpretation of tariff exemptions on electronics and showing a tough trade stance (Source: Truth Social)

President Donald Trump of the United States reaffirmed the imposition of tariffs on semiconductors and electronic products, clearly stating that the recently announced items are not actually exempt. This directly drew a line against interpretations of tariff relaxation raised by some, which is interpreted as a forewarning of separate taxation on these items in the future.

President Trump, through his SNS Truth Social on the 13th (local time), stated, “What was announced last Friday (April 11th) is not a tariff exemption. These products are still subject to the existing 20% fentanyl tariff and have only been moved to other detailed items.” He further emphasized a strong stance by adding, “We will look into the entire supply chain of electronic products, including semiconductors, through national security investigations.”

Previously on the 11th, President Trump announced through a presidential memorandum that some electronic products, including semiconductors, would be excluded from reciprocal tariffs, and on the same day, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the relevant items. Accordingly, the 125% reciprocal tariffs imposed on China and tariffs on other countries are temporarily exempted, but the 20% fentanyl-related tariffs separately applied to China continue to be maintained.

Regarding these measures, U.S. media and industry interpreted that President Trump was showing signs of reducing the intensity of foreign trade pressure, but administration officials appeared on broadcast on this day to clarify. The exemption announced by CBP is only excluded from reciprocal tariffs, and there are plans to impose individual tariffs on these items in the future under 'Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act'. This law allows the president to take tariff and other measures on imports that could threaten national security.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick also stated in an interview with ABC on this day, “Electronics and semiconductors could be subject to separate tariffs within a month or two.” He said, “We are coordinating policy directions to ensure these items can be manufactured in the U.S. again” and “We cannot only rely on Southeast Asia.”

On the same day, President Trump emphasized in another post, “We must produce products in the U.S. and can no longer be dragged around like hostages abroad. Especially not by countries like China that disregard Americans and employ all means for their own interests.” He added, “No country can be free from tariffs, and especially China, which has treated us the worst.”

However, concerns over inconsistent policy messages are growing. U.S. market expert Sven Henrich indicated in an interview with Reuters, “The administration needs to clarify who controls the message,” adding, “If such confusion repeats, it becomes difficult for companies to make investment decisions in a predictable environment.”