Trump Drops Tariffs on Smartphones and Electronics—What It Means for You

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Summary

  • A notice from US Customs and Border Protection has revealed that certain electronics, including smartphones and computers, will be exempted from the new tariffs.
  • The change will affect products entering the United States as early as April 5, following the recent introduction of a massive tariff hike on China.
  • The tariffs have raised concerns among fans about potential raised prices on both games and new consoles, particularly with regards to the upcoming Switch 2.

As a follower keeping track of global events, I’ve noticed that during the initial phase of President Trump’s second term, there’s been quite a stir across various industries due to his swift decisions. One such decision that has caused a ripple effect is the new round of tariffs he imposed on goods from different countries worldwide. These tariffs have affected a wide range of products, from everyday groceries to high-tech electronics like smartphones. However, it seems that the smartphone industry might dodge this bullet, as reports suggest that certain types of electronics, including smartphones, will be excluded from these tariffs. This could potentially save consumers from increased prices in this sector.

In the gaming world, there’s been a lot of worry shared by players and creators regarding how tariffs might affect console prices and new software releases. Nintendo recently announced that due to upcoming tariffs, pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 in the U.S. will be postponed to evaluate their impact. The fear is that these tariffs could also raise costs for other consoles, such as the anticipated PS5 Pro, causing concern about its potential price. However, a new report suggests that some products may be exempt from these new tariffs.

Smartphones and Other Electronics Exempt from New Trump Tariffs

According to CNN, a notice from United States Customs and Border Protection reveals that certain items will be exempt from tariffs. Specifically, smartphones, computer monitors, and associated electronic components are not subjected to price increases due to the newly implemented tariffs. This exemption takes effect from April 5 onwards. Consequently, tech giants such as Microsoft and Apple can maintain their production and sales in countries like China (which accounts for a significant portion of Apple’s component manufacturing), without interruptions caused by increased costs resulting from these tariffs.

The recently implemented exceptions to Trump’s latest tariffs might significantly affect the gaming industry, as it grapples with mounting worries over increased console prices. Many enthusiasts have already voiced their disapproval about the pricing of Nintendo’s new console, with the Switch 2 slated to retail at $450 USD for its basic model. The new Nintendo console has also seen the manufacturer hike up game prices, with “Mario Kart World” being one of the Switch 2’s flagship launch titles priced at $80.

The ongoing tariffs have sparked worry regarding their broader influence on the games and entertainment sector. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) expressed concerns, fearing that these tariffs could cause significant harm to the gaming industry, potentially leading to increased costs for consoles and games. Notably, several Japanese developers witnessed a significant drop in stock prices after the new tariffs were implemented. Sony and Nintendo both experienced noticeable declines. It’s hoped that the recent exemptions will result in a more budget-friendly gaming experience for gamers globally.

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2025-04-12 19:23