US Eases Tariffs on Consumer Tech: China Calls it a ‘Small Step’ Toward Resolution

April 13, 2025 07:40 PM PDT | By Team Kalkine Media

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US Eases Tariffs on Consumer Tech: China Calls it a ‘Small Step’ Toward Resolution — Image source: shutterstock

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Highlights

US exempts key electronics from China tariffs

China urges complete rollback of trade levies

Tech firms may benefit from easing tensions

In a recent move that could bring relief to global markets, the United States government has decided to exempt a range of consumer electronics from its previously imposed reciprocal tariffs on Chinese imports. The decision, announced last Friday, reduces the scope of increased import duties that had been affecting several industries, particularly consumer tech.

According to a statement by China’s Ministry of Commerce, this action by the US is considered a “small step” toward correcting what Beijing describes as a wrongful trade policy. The ministry emphasized that more comprehensive measures are needed to reverse the damage caused by these unilateral tariffs. The original policy had imposed up to 125% tariffs on Chinese goods and a base rate of 10% on imports from most other nations.

The tariff relief specifically covers electronics like smartphones and personal computers—devices that are central to major global tech players. Companies such as Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), which heavily relies on Chinese manufacturing for its iPhones and MacBooks, could see some easing of pressure from this development. Similarly, PC and hardware manufacturers like HP Inc. (NYSE:HPQ) and Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL), who also depend on Chinese suppliers, are likely to feel some short-term operational relief.

The policy shift may also impact suppliers and component makers such as Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM), which provides chips for a wide range of consumer devices assembled in China. Likewise, contract manufacturers like Foxconn (TPE:2317), though listed in Taiwan, play a significant role in the production pipeline for many of these US-based tech firms.

China has urged the US to take further action beyond this limited exemption. The Ministry of Commerce reiterated the need for “equal dialog based on mutual respect” and called for a complete rollback of the tariffs that have strained trade relations and disrupted global supply chains.

While this step does not mark a full resolution to the ongoing trade tensions, it indicates a willingness to engage and potentially move toward a more balanced economic relationship between the two countries. Investors and global businesses will be watching closely for further developments that could shape the future of cross-border trade, especially in the technology sector.

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