Donald Trump delays 10% tariffs on Chinese cellphones, laptops, toys; markets jump as relief for retailers, technology groups
FirstpostDonald Trump on Tuesday backed off his 1 September deadline for 10 percent tariffs on remaining Chinese imports, delaying duties on cellphones, laptops and other consumer goods Washington: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday backed off his 1 September deadline for 10 percent tariffs on remaining Chinese imports, delaying duties on cellphones, laptops and other consumer goods, in the hopes of blunting their impact on US holiday sales. But the Trump administration still plans to impose 10 percent tariffs on thousands of Chinese food, clothing and other consumer electronics products beginning Sept. 1. Flat-screen televisions from China, a category worth 4.5 billion dollars, also will face 10 percent tariffs on 1 September after being spared from Trump’s first round of tariffs more than a year ago. Still, the Retail Industry Leaders Association said: “removing some products from the list and delaying additional 10 percent tariffs on other products, such as toys, consumer electronics, apparel and footwear, until 15 December is welcome news as it will mitigate some pain for consumers through the holiday season.” The Consumer Technology Association applauded the delay on some items but added: “Next month, we’ll begin to pay more for some of our favourite tech devices – including TVs, smart speakers and desktop computers.