In a last-minute reversal, the Trump administration has exempted smartphones, laptops, and other key consumer electronics from its sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods. The decision, disclosed Friday evening in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection update, spares tech giants like Apple, Samsung, and Dell from 125% import duties that had been set to take effect this week.

The exemption follows intense lobbying by major electronics manufacturers and signals the administration’s concern over destabilizing U.S. tech markets. Analysts had warned that tariffs on high-end electronics would trigger widespread price increases, supply chain delays, and Wall Street volatility.

The move immediately drew criticism from economists and consumer advocates who noted that while smartphones and computers are now protected, essential goods like toys, clothing, and car seats remain heavily taxed. “The rest of the country is still paying the price.”

The Crustian Daily will continue tracking tariff exemptions and their effects across industries and households.