President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his administration will introduce new tariffs on semiconductor chips within the next week. However, he also noted that there could be flexibility for certain companies and products.
Last Friday, the White House stated that smartphones and computers would be temporarily excluded from the 125% tariffs on Chinese imports. This move is especially important for companies like Apple, which assembles most of its iPhones in China.
A memo titled “Clarification of Exceptions Under Executive Order 14257” listed semiconductors as “excepted products.” However, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Sunday that the relief for smartphones and electronics is only temporary.
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump explained that discussions would be held with companies about the tariffs on products like iPhones and tablets.
“You have to show a certain flexibility,” Trump said. “Nobody should be so rigid.”
When asked if there would be special treatment for some products, Trump simply replied, “For some products,” without giving specific names.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump denied on Truth Social that any final decision on tariff exceptions had been made. He added that his team is still reviewing semiconductors and the full electronics supply chain in ongoing national security investigations.
He also stressed that the main goal is to boost U.S. manufacturing of chips and reduce reliance on other countries.
The weekend started with positive news for tech companies such as Apple and Nvidia, but Trump’s new comments have created fresh uncertainty about the future of electronics imports from China.
