12 Apr 2025

Semiconductor Exception Clause

 

1) White House Releases Trump Memorandum

  • Specifies the details of Executive Order 14257 (amended version).

2) Semiconductors Reconfirmed as Tariff-Exempt Items

  • Semiconductor-related products (including computers, manufacturing equipment, smartphones, storage devices, etc.) are confirmed to be exempt from tariffs.

3) Tariff Refund Measures

  • Any incorrectly imposed tariffs after 12:01 AM ET on April 5 will be refunded through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

4) Clarification of Existing Exemptions, Not a New Delay

  • This announcement is not a new grace period, but a formal clarification of the already exempted semiconductor items.

5) Reason for Market Confusion

  • Despite the April 2 exemption announcement, events like Apple’s stock drop suggest the market did not fully grasp the implications.

6) Statement from Stephen Miller

  • Explained that “Chinese electronic products are originally subject to 20% tariffs under IEEPA.”

7) Bloomberg’s Observation

  • Warned that currently exempted items such as steel, copper, and energy may be subject to tariffs in the future.