This post was originally published on The Economic Times
Over the weekend, the Indian electronics and semiconductor industry breathed a sigh of relief when the Trump administration excluded several electronic items from the reciprocal tariffs. However, there are indications from the US that this reprieve may be temporary.
So, what categories were exempted?
Key tech products—including smartphones, laptops, tablets, semiconductor components, displays, storage devices, and computer processors—were exempted from the reciprocal tariffs. The Trump administration stated this move protects global supply chains, benefits manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, and ensures continued affordability for US consumers. Notably, the development benefits Indian electronics majors like Tata Electronics, Foxconn India, and Pegatron India, besides Apple and Samsung, which have significant operations in India.
Indian electronics players view these exemptions as a temporary relief. Experts argue that products like smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components were exempted from these tariffs to avoid immediate price hikes for US consumers and to shield American tech companies like Apple and Nvidia from financial strain.
Notably, Trump has explicitly indicated that semiconductors will be a key focus area for upcoming tariffs. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that “special tariffs” targeting
— Read the rest of this post, which was originally published on The Economic Times.
