US President Donald Trump announced new tariff exemptions over the weekend, including smartphones and other electronics, sending tech stocks like Apple, Dell, and ASML soaring. The move was seen as a relief for consumers and businesses, but investors are still wary about the future of tariffs.
The US will announce new tariffs on imported semiconductors next week, which has sparked concerns among businesses. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned that new duties on exempted items could be introduced, causing uncertainty.
Trump’s shifting tariff policy has undermined business and consumer confidence, with stocks like General Motors and Ford Motor rising 3.5% and 4.1%, respectively. The White House is considering modifying the 25% tariffs imposed on foreign auto imports from Mexico, Canada, and other places.
Analysts say that the exemptions give companies more time to plan for where tariffs settle out. Big Tech shares like Apple and Nvidia rose after a two-week slump, while consumer-facing companies including HP and Dell Technologies also gained ground.
The move has sparked a rebound in US assets, but the broad-market S&P 500 index is still down about 8% so far this year. The uncertainty surrounding tariffs continues to pose risks for businesses and consumers, with economists warning of prolonged uncertainty that could drag on corporate investment and delay longer-term commitments.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/technology/apple-shares-lead-tech-higher-after-tariff-exemptions-2025-04-14