Trump Spares Tech from Tariff Shock — But Strings Are Attached
Where policy meets portfolio — and we call the plays without the spin.
This week, the White House walked back part of its biggest economic flex of the year: Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. But not everything is getting hit.
New guidance confirms that smartphones, laptops, and key tech components are now officially exempt from the tariff storm.
⚡️ What’s Excluded:
Smartphones & laptops
Chips & semiconductors
SSDs, flash drives, memory cards
Solar panels & flat panel displays
This move saves tech giants like Apple, Nvidia, and others from a massive cost spike — for now.
“This is a dream scenario for tech investors,” said Dan Ives from Wedbush.
“Without this, it would’ve been Armageddon for Big Tech.”
🧠 Why It Happened
The White House says this is about giving companies time to move manufacturing to the U.S. Trump’s team made it clear:
“America can’t rely on China for critical tech.” — White House deputy press secretary Kush Desai
Translation: Big Tech needs to start “onshoring” fast — and this exemption buys them a grace period.
💥 What Triggered the Reversal
Apple lost $640 billion in market value after the original tariff news
S&P 500 dropped over 5%
10-year Treasury yields jumped more than 50 basis points
iPhones were projected to hit $3,500+ under the full tariff plan
Markets panicked — and the administration blinked.
🧾 Staten Summary:
Tariffs are still real. A 20% blanket tariff on Chinese goods still applies.
These tech exemptions are retroactive — meaning if the product left a warehouse by April 5, it’s spared.
This isn’t just about policy — it’s about pressure from Wall Street, CEOs, and the bond market.
Bottom Line:
Big Tech got a break, but the clock is ticking. Tariff volatility isn’t gone — it’s just paused. And investors should expect more policy pivots, political pressure, and portfolio whiplash in the months ahead.
Until next time,
— The Bandicoots