US President Donald Trump on Sunday clarified that no country would be getting “off the hook” on tariffs, despite a 90-day temporary pause on some levies. He also dismissed reports suggesting that Chinese-made tech items like smartphones and computers might be exempt from the trade measures.
“NOBODY is getting “off the hook” for the unfair Trade Balances, and Non Monetary Tariff Barriers, that other Countries have used against us, especially not China which, by far, treats us the worst! There was no Tariff “exception” announced on Friday,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.
He added that electronics remain subject to the existing 20 per cent “Fentanyl Tariffs,” and that such products are simply being reassigned to a different tariff category—not exempted.
This comes after US Customs and Border Protection published guidance suggesting that smartphones, computers, and other electronics were exempt from new reciprocal tariffs.
White House senior adviser Stephen Miller reiterated the message on X, asserting that these electronics are still “subject to the tariff under the original [declaration] on China of 20 percent.”
Chips From China To Face National Security Probe
Trump also revealed that his administration is preparing a national security investigation focused specifically on semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain, much of which depends heavily on Chinese manufacturing.
He clarified that the temporary exclusion of smartphones and computers from tariffs on Chinese goods is only a short-term measure.
“We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations,” he wrote.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed Sunday that new duties targeting critical tech imports—including semiconductors—are expected within the next two months.
These new actions are part of a broader effort to confront China’s dominance in key technology sectors and reduce US reliance on foreign supply chains that Trump views as a national security threat.
The announcement suggests that any perceived relief for tech companies like Apple and Dell, which rely on imports from China, may be short-lived.
Trump also took aim at media coverage, accusing outlets of deliberately misrepresenting the situation. He emphasized that the United States must regain control over its production capabilities and not be “held hostage” by nations he described as “hostile trading partners.”
“We also cannot let them continue to abuse us on Trade, like they have for decades. THOSE DAYS ARE OVER,” Trump wrote, adding that the coming “Golden Age of America” will be powered by domestic manufacturing, tax and regulation cuts, and fairer treatment of the US in global trade.
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