Well well well, the No.1 Chinese export to America by value last year, the smartphone, is quietly granted an exemption from the 125% tariffs

alongside other electronic devices and components that just happen to include semiconductors, solar cells and memory cards.

Is this the Art of the Repeal rather than the Art of the Deal? 😎

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NCCindy · 36-40, F

One has to wonder if it has anything to do with the new found friendship between Tim Cook (CEO of Apple) and Donald Trump.

I think the #2 supplier of phones (Samsung) makes them in Korea.

Pretzel · 70-79, M

@NCCindy I think in 90 days the only thing we'll have more than a 10% tariff on will be the 2.5mm rivets made on Tuesdays by a child laborer name George.

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

We are now in the bizarre situation where some of the countries which have the largest trade surpluses with America ("bad" according to Trumponomics) will be least affected by tariffs, while those with trade deficits ("good") may be hit with the highest tariffs . . so tariffs could in fact help to widen America's trade deficit with the world.

America is clearly not interested in making phones and other electronics, or whatever other product Trump decides to exempt on a whim this week.

And no idea where Trump is getting his figure of $2bn a day in tariff revenues from 🙃

SomeMichGuy · M

Indeed

ArtieKat · M

"But.... but.... it was all part of the cunning plan from the beginning"

TirAsleen · New

@ArtieKat Haha yeah right! This is all to do with the negative movement in the bond market. Scott Bessent realises this, which is why he is now desperately pushing for Trump to reach trade deals with our allies. We need them to take on China.

And given that Trump was previously calling these same close allies cheaters, looters and pillagers, there is no way this was the strategy all along.

ArtieKat · M

@TirAsleen

It's because we need them to take on China.

But it's going to take years and years to replace Chinese-made personal electronics. It's not going to happen

TirAsleen · New

@ArtieKat Clearly. Witness the number one Chinese import to the US (smartphones) suddenly becoming exempt from the tariffs, something that was introduced with no fanfare for some reason...

TexChik · F

So sayeth the lib.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

How many of these products supposedly of Chinese origin, really are made in the People's Republic of China?

Rather than Taiwan, S. Korea, India, Japan, Vietnam...?

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ArishMell · 70-79, M

@TirAsleen . Yes, but even if not they are still taxed.

Something I learnt only yesterday is that the US Government is also applying a levy on American port fees for Chinese ships.

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

@ArishMell all phones are made in Chyna

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@zonavar68 Thankyou. I wonder if that's the same with my computer and printer, labelled DELL and Hewlett-Packard respectively.

Pretzel · 70-79, M

does Elon own stock in Apple?

zonavar68 · 56-60, M

It's about not killing Apple etc. Tech bro's are the new elite

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