U.S. exempts smartphones, computers from global Trump tariffs
U.S. exempts smartphones, computers from global Trump tariffs

The exemptions, published late Friday in a notice by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office, cover various electronic goods, including smartphones.
Read the full article on CBS Money
Truth Analysis
Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article's claim about exemptions for smartphones and computers from Trump's tariffs is partially accurate but requires careful consideration. While some exemptions existed, the overall picture presented by the sources suggests the tariffs still significantly impacted these products. The article exhibits moderate bias by potentially overstating the extent of the exemptions and not fully representing the broader impact of the tariffs.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "U.S. exempts smartphones, computers from global Trump tariffs"
- Verification Source #1: Contradicts the idea of broad exemptions, suggesting Trump was against exemptions.
- Verification Source #2: Supports the idea that tariffs could make iPhones more expensive, implying they were *not* fully exempt.
- Verification Source #3: States that Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports, including smartphones and computers. This contradicts the idea of a blanket exemption.
- Verification Source #5: Mentions a "narrow exemption" for *some* semiconductor imports, but notes that sweeping tariffs still applied. This suggests that while some components might have been exempt, the final products were still subject to tariffs.
- Verification Source #4: Mentions exemptions for critical minerals, but this is not directly related to smartphones or computers.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #1: "Trump saying he won't allow products to be exempted from tariffs..." This directly contradicts the idea of broad exemptions.
- Verification Source #2: "Your favorite iPhone could soon become much pricier, thanks to tariffs." This suggests tariffs were in place and impacting prices.
- Verification Source #3: "...Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from virtually every US... including smartphones, laptop computers and other electronics." This contradicts the claim of a full exemption.
- Verification Source #5: "While the White House carved out a narrow exemption for some semiconductor imports, President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs still apply to..." This indicates limited exemptions, not a complete one.
- The provided sources suggest that while some components or specific types of electronics might have received exemptions, the overall impact of Trump's tariffs on smartphones and computers was significant. The CBS MoneyWatch article's title and snippet are misleading in implying a broad exemption.