Trump Refutes Media Over “Tariff Exemption” Claims, Vows Tougher Trade Measures on China and Electronics
Washington, D.C. — April 13, 2025
President Donald Trump pushed back hard on Saturday against what he called “Fake News” distortions surrounding a recent U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) notice. The notice, which outlined filing procedures for a temporary tariff classification adjustment on certain electronics, was widely interpreted by media outlets as a tariff “exception” for China.
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump reaffirmed that no country—especially not China—was receiving tariff relief, stating clearly:
“These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl Tariffs… just moving to a different Tariff ‘bucket.’ There was no Tariff ‘exception’ announced on Friday.”
Trump emphasized that new National Security Tariff Investigations targeting semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain are now underway. He promised they would result in even tougher tariffs in the coming months, aimed at restoring U.S. manufacturing dominance and reducing reliance on China.
Commerce Secretary Confirms Temporary Reclassification
On Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reinforced Trump’s position while clarifying the short-term nature of the classification update. Appearing on ABC’s This Week, Lutnick explained:
“They’re exempt from the reciprocal tariffs for now… but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two.”
Lutnick said the administration’s goal is to reshore production of vital electronics, including chips, screens, and communications hardware. The strategy, he said, is part of Trump’s Executive Order 14257, which implemented a Reciprocal Tariff Program that mirrors foreign tariffs imposed on U.S. goods.
CBP Notice Details Classification Shift—Not Exemption
The April 11 CBP guidance, titled “UPDATED GUIDANCE – Reciprocal Tariff Exclusion for Specified Products”, outlined how certain electronics components are to be filed under HTSUS code 9903.01.32, pending reclassification under upcoming sector-specific tariffs.
Key points from the notice include:
- Effective Date: April 5, 2025
- Applicable Sectors: Semiconductors, integrated circuits, flat panels, communication boards
- Instructions: Importers must file under specific HTSUS subheadings and declare the secondary classification for compliance
- Refunds Available: For previously paid reciprocal tariffs, importers may file corrections or protests within 10 days
Despite the clarification, media outlets seized on the phrase “exclusion” to suggest the Trump administration was softening its stance—claims Trump forcefully rejected.
Trump: “The Golden Age Is Coming”
Trump reaffirmed the administration’s America First economic doctrine, promising upcoming tax cuts, regulatory relief, and a surge in U.S. manufacturing:
“The bottom line is that our Country will be bigger, better, and stronger than ever before… THOSE DAYS [of being abused on trade] ARE OVER.”
Conclusion
While the CBP notice provided logistical clarity for importers amid the evolving tariff regime, Trump’s statement and Lutnick’s clarification made clear that the administration’s stance on China remains hardline. Semiconductor-related products—while temporarily reclassified—will soon face dedicated, targeted tariffs as part of the administration’s national security and reshoring agenda.
As the White House continues its trade war escalation, analysts expect further sector-specific tariff waves in May and June, particularly focused on telecom, defense electronics, and solar tech.
