Trump, top aides fuel tariff confusion by questioning reciprocal exemptions

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNBC

Published Sun, Apr 13 2025 11:50 AM EDT Updated Sun, Apr 13 2025 5:27 PM EDT


President Donald Trump and his top trade officials on Sunday added to the confusion over his administration’s tariff plans, including newly announced exemptions for reciprocal tariffs on electronic products such as phones, computers and semiconductors.

Trump and his aides suggested the exemptions — which erased added tariffs of 145% on many Chinese electronics devices and components — would be partially or completely reversed in coming weeks. A separate 20% tariff on all Chinese goods is still in effect.

The exemptions were first revealed in technical guidance issued late Friday evening without fanfare by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and confirmed by the White House on Saturday.

But Trump on Sunday afternoon cast doubt on the duration of the exemptions, which were seen as a boon for tech companies, including Apple, which makes iPhones and most of its other products in China.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/13/trump-commerce-chief-says-not-like-a-permanent-sort-of-exemption-for-phones-computers.html

[no_hypocrisy]

1. My guess is

with China banning the export of rare earth minerals to the U.S., the exemptions will be revoked this morning.

[Irish_Dem]

2. China playing Trump like a fiddle?

Trump is all over the map with China, tariffs, exemptions, more tariffs, more exemptions.
Crazy.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. IMO, China is at least two steps ahead of TSF.

Almost like Bre'r Rabbit and Bre'r Fox. Please don't throw me in the Briar Patch! And TSF does.

Also, IMO, TSF has underestimated China, erroneously believing that a Communist nation can't possibly be adept at the darker underbelly of Capitalism. They can play the game better than us.

[Irish_Dem]

4. Exactly, Xi playing 3D chess and the long game.

Trump is just in his crib, throwing out his toys.