Electronic devices can breathe easy, for now

Electronics products that use semiconductors like mobile devices, laptops, personal computers (PCs) and servers will continue to enjoy tariff exemptions on their entry into the US, which on Wednesday announced a 25 per cent duty on Indian goods.

- SURAJEET DAS GUPTA

The tariff will be imposed only on the value of the semiconductor which is in the electronics product, and not on the whole product. But the respite may not last long.

The US is conducting a Section 232 investigation launched in April 2025 on whether imports of these products and related technologies pose a threat to its national security. A final call on tariffs, or action, will be taken once the investigation report is out, according to top executives of mobile firms which export to the US. The report is expected to be tabled soon.

As part of the investigation, the US commerce department was looking at various aspects like foreign government subsidies, supply chain dependencies and domestic production capacity.