The Trump administration’s recent decision on April 12 to exempt smartphones, computers, and other electronics from its newly introduced reciprocal tariff policy marks the second “U-turn” within three days. Earlier, President Trump had announced a 90-day exemption on tariff applications for all trading allies - except China. These quick U-turns expose the internal contradictions - and lack of comprehensive planning - within US trade policy and its broader global economic implications. Apparently, this reversal on electronics is driven by both domestic economic considerations and the increasingly complex global trade environment. While highlighting the challenges President Trump faces in implementing his tariff strategy, it also reflects the changing dynamics in the global economy, where non-US actors are gaining the confidence and ability to protect their interests in ways that were once unimaginable. On one hand, the administration has passionately championed protectionism, arguing that reducing dependence on foreign manufacturing, particularly from China, is crucial for safeguarding US national security and economic interests. Yet, this recent tariff exemption for smartphones and computers starkly contrasts with those objectives, suggesting that short-term economic concerns have outweighed the longer-term goals of economic decoupling from China.

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These exemptions are not being applied uniformly, highlighting the selectivity........

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