China calls US tariff exemptions on smartphones and other electronics a "small step" in correcting a misguided policy

The exemption marks a “small step by the US toward correcting its erroneous practice of unilateral ‘reciprocal tariffs,’” according to a spokesperson. Since President Trump announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, the policy has “not only failed to address any of the US's own issues, but has also severely disrupted the international economic and trade order,” the spokesperson said, urging the US to “completely cancel” the tariffs.

Background: On Wednesday, Trump announced a pause on the rollout of reciprocal tariffs for all US trading partners except China. Chinese goods are still subject to a steep 145% tariff. In response, Beijing imposed a 125% tariff on American imports.

However, late Friday, the Trump administration said certain electronic products — including some from China — will be exempt from the tariffs. This move brings significant relief to major US tech companies such as Apple. Among the exempted items are smartphones, computer monitors, and various electronic components.