Washington, D.C. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that no nation would be spared from his administration’s tough trade measures, signaling a firmer stance on China even after a recent decision that appeared to relax tariffs on certain high-tech imports.
Despite a notice that shifted some goods, such as cellphones and laptops, into a different tax classification, Trump emphasized on Sunday that these products were still subject to existing duties — currently around 20%. “No one is getting off the hook,” Trump said, clarifying that the changes did not amount to exemptions.
In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump reiterated his hardline view: “We will not be held hostage by other countries, especially those with unfair trading practices like China.”
Later, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump announced that additional tariffs on semiconductor components were expected to be revealed within the next week. He added that while the new levies would be rolled out soon, certain businesses in the sector might be allowed temporary flexibility.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported this timeline, stating that chip-related tariffs could come into effect within weeks. He also noted that any relief on high-tech imports would be brief and limited in scope, particularly given that many of those goods are manufactured in China.
Meanwhile, Beijing condemned the new tariff policy, labeling it a “misguided approach.” In a statement reported by international media, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged Washington to cancel the measures entirely and to “return to the path of mutual respect and cooperation.”
The U.S. had recently introduced a 90-day waiver on tariffs for several countries, including those in the European Union — but notably, China was excluded. This move has escalated tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
A Chinese trade official, in response to the development, called for the U.S. to “correct its course” and remove the so-called reciprocal tariffs entirely.
