U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced on Sunday that smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices, recently exempted from sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports will soon face a new wave of duties, alongside semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, within the next two months.
Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Lutnick revealed the administration’s intention to implement what he termed a “special focus-type of tariff” targeting critical technology sectors. These new levies will be separate from the existing reciprocal tariffs, which surged to 125% this week as part of President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China.
The announcement follows the administration’s move late Friday to grant temporary exemptions on certain electronics, a decision widely welcomed by major U.S. technology firms such as Apple and Dell Technologies, both of which rely heavily on imports from China. However, Lutnick’s comments suggest the relief may be short-lived.
“They’re exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two,” Lutnick stated. He emphasized that these products fall under national security considerations, warranting domestic production. “These are things that are national security, that we need to be made in America,” he added.
The remarks mark the latest development in President Trump’s protectionist trade strategy, which he dubbed “Liberation Day” when first announced on April 2. The policy has unsettled global markets and introduced a new era of volatility for investors and multinational corporations. Since Trump took office on January 20, the S&P 500 index has declined by more than 10%, reflecting widespread uncertainty.
Lutnick’s remarks appear to extend beyond previous White House messaging. On Saturday, officials had only indicated that the president would soon initiate a national security investigation into semiconductors, a move that could potentially trigger additional tariffs.
China, in response to the recent tariff escalation, raised its own import duties on U.S. goods to 125% as of Friday. In a statement issued Sunday, prior to Lutnick’s interview, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it was still assessing the implications of the U.S. exclusions for tech products.
“The bell on a tiger’s neck can only be untied by the person who tied it,” the ministry said, invoking a traditional proverb.
Meanwhile, prominent investor and Trump supporter Bill Ackman urged the administration to take a more measured approach. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Ackman called on the president to pause the Chinese tariffs for 90 days and reduce them temporarily to 10%, arguing such a move would still encourage U.S. companies to shift supply chains away from China without unnecessary disruption.
“If Trump paused Chinese tariffs for 90 days and cut them to 10% temporarily, he would achieve the same objective… without the disruption and risk,” Ackman wrote.
As the administration doubles down on its trade offensive, the business community and international partners brace for continued turbulence in the months ahead.
