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Trump Eases Tariffs on Electronics, Considers Auto Relief in Volatile Trade War

The U.S.-China trade war intensifies with record-high tariffs, while recent exemptions offer temporary market relief amid economic uncertainty.

Vehicles for export are parked at a port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
The German share price index DAX graph is pictured at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, April 15, 2025.   REUTERS/staff
A mobile crane carries a container at Deendayal Port in Kandla, in the western state of Gujarat, India, April 5, 2025.  REUTERS/Amit Dave/ File Photo
Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, right, stands next to Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, behind, during official welcoming ceremony at national palace in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Vincent Thian/Pool via REUTERS

Overview

  • President Trump has exempted smartphones, computers, and other electronics from U.S. tariffs and is considering a temporary reprieve for auto and auto parts imports.
  • U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 145%, with China retaliating at 125%, significantly straining bilateral trade relations.
  • Stock markets showed modest rebounds following the exemptions, but underlying volatility persists due to the unpredictable nature of tariff policies.
  • Sectors like technology and agriculture face mixed impacts, with some companies benefiting from exemptions while others experience rising costs and reduced profits.
  • Economists warn of heightened recession risks, with long-term economic outcomes remaining uncertain as the tariff strategy continues to evolve.