U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Rutnik noted on the 13th (local time) that while electronic devices like smartphones and computers were initially excluded from the reciprocal tariff targets, they are expected to be included in the upcoming semiconductor item tariffs.
Secretary Rutnik said in an interview with ABC broadcasting that "these electronic devices will all fall under semiconductor products" and added, "a specifically focused type of tariff will be applied to ensure the products can be used safely." This means that electronic products equipped with semiconductors may be subject to tariff imposition through the upcoming semiconductor item tariffs.
While laptops and smartphones are currently excluded, when asked if tariffs could be imposed again in about a month, he said, "Yes" and explained, "a new tariff system will be applied to expand domestic manufacturing of semiconductors and pharmaceuticals."
Earlier, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on the night of the 11th that smartphones, laptops, hard disk drives, computer processors, memory chips, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment would be excluded from reciprocal tariffs.
However, Secretary Rutnik added, "Electronics may likely be included in the semiconductor tariffs that are expected to be imposed in about a month" and noted, "These two areas (semiconductors and pharmaceuticals) will see related measures taken next month or the month after."
U.S. President Donald Trump also said on the 12th, while on Air Force One en route to Miami from Palm Beach, Florida, that "we will be very specific about the item tariffs on semiconductors and will provide an answer on Monday (14th)."
White House Spokesperson Caroline Levitt also stated in a statement that "President Trump indicated that tariffs on automobiles, steel, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors would be included in specific (other) tariffs for fair and effective application" and noted, "The results of the investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act regarding semiconductors will also be released soon." The Trade Expansion Act's Section 232 grants the President the authority to take urgent action if imported goods threaten national security.