NEW YORK: The United States will spare Apple Inc’s Watch and other consumer gadgets from the latest round of tariffs on Chinese goods, according to a list of products released by the US Trade Representative (USTR) on Monday.
But parts for the computer servers and networking gear that power “cloud” data centres and Internet-based services now face a levy, as do some of the parts for the machines used to make semiconductors.
US President Donald Trump escalated his trade war with China on Monday, imposing 10 per cent tariffs on about $200 billion worth of Chinese imports and he warned that if China takes retaliatory action against US farmers or industries, “we will immediately pursue phase three, which is tariffs on approximately $267 billion of additional imports.”
The administration’s proposal drew protest from technology companies earlier this year, but the final list of taxed devices from the USTR avoids many big consumer brand names and products.
The iPhone was not among the ‘wide range’ of products that Apple told regulators would be hit by the $200 billion round of tariffs in a Sept. 5 comment letter to trade officials. Apple feared for its Apple Watch and its wireless AirPods headphones, but both were left off the list announced on Monday.
The new round of tariffs will take effect on Sept. 24 at a 10 per cent level and rise to 25 per cent on January 1, 2019. However, if Trump expands the tariffs to an additional $267 billion worth of goods then nearly every Chinese import would be affected, including the iPhone, along with all other smart phones. Apple shares fell 0.7 per cent to $216.29 after hours.
Shares of China and Taiwan-based Apple suppliers slipped on Tuesday morning in Asia. Foxconn, a Taiwan-based manufacturer formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co, fell 2 per cent, while assembler Pegatron Corp dropped 2.4 per cent. Camera lens-maker Largan Precision Co Ltd slid nearly 9 per cent.
In an earlier round of tariffs on $50 billion of goods, the Trump administration removed proposals on flat-panel television sets for the final list in June.
The new list would also spare fitness trackers from Fitbit Inc, which had said in a comment letter to regulators that the tariffs would compromise its own investment in the United States. Fitbit shares closed down 1 per cent on Monday.
“We welcome this development and we appreciate the administration’s time and effort to listen to industry and consumer concerns,” a Fitbit spokeswoman said.
NEW LIST
However, some products that help computer networks operate, such as routers, will remain on the new list, the official said. That could affect smaller technology firms such as Eero, a startup company that makes home routers and had asked to be exempted from the tariffs. Altogether about 300 product categories were given reprieves, including some non-tech consumer devices such as bicycle helmets and baby car seats.
Apple did not respond to a Reuters request for comment, and Eero declined to comment. Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook had dinner with US President Donald Trump last month, though neither gave details of discussions.
Apple had said the US tariffs would affect prices for a “wide range” of Apple products, including its Watch, in a letter commenting on administration proposals earlier this month.
“Our concern with these tariffs is that the US will be hardest hit, and that will result in lower US growth and competitiveness and higher prices for US consumers,” Apple said earlier in a letter commenting on the proposal.
— Reuters
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