President Donald Trump has made it clear that there is ‘no Tariff exception,’ clarifying that items are merely shifting to a ‘different Tariff bucket’.
April 2 has been dubbed ‘Liberation Day’ in the United States as Trump introduced a range of tariffs impacting numerous countries, with China facing significant consequences.
In response to retaliatory measures from China, a 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods was imposed ‘effective immediately’.
China’s commerce ministry urged the US to ‘take a big step back to correct its mistakes’ and ‘return to the right path of mutual respect’. By April 11, the Trump administration appeared to soften its stance by announcing exemptions for smartphones, computers, and specific products, including some from China.
However, this could be a strategic pause rather than a full retreat.
On April 13, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed ABC News that the exemptions might be provisional, with potential for a ‘semiconductor tariff’ to be introduced soon.
On the same day, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “We are taking a look at Semiconductors and the WHOLE ELECTRONICS SUPPLY CHAIN in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.
“What has been exposed is that we need to make products in the United States, and that we will not be held hostage by other Countries, especially hostile trading Nations like China, which will do everything within its power to disrespect the American People.
“We also cannot let them continue to abuse us on Trade, like they have for decades, THOSE DAYS ARE OVER!”
Trump emphasized that no nation is exempt from the unfair Trade Balances and ‘Non Monetary Tariff Barriers’ that have been used against the US, specifically calling out China.
He stated: “There was no Tariff ‘exception’ announced on Friday. These products are subject to the existing 20 percent Fentanyl Tariffs, and they are just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’ The Fake News knows this, but refuses to report it.”
Trump concluded: “The Golden Age of America, which includes the upcoming Tax and Regulation Cuts, a substantial amount of which was just approved by the House and Senate, will mean more and better paying Jobs, making products in our Nation, and treating other Countries, in particular China, the same way they have treated us.
“The bottom line is that our Country will be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. We will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”