How Trump’s 2025 Tariffs Are Reshaping the Electronics Supply Chain

As of April 2025, the Trump administration has introduced sweeping new tariffs on imported goods, shaking up the global electronics supply chain. These tariffs include a 10% baseline tariff on most imports into the US, with higher rates applied to specific countries. While semiconductors are exempt, products containing them, like smartphones, laptops, and smart home devices, are not.

Understanding the true impact of these Trump 2025 tariffs is crucial for electronics manufacturers, distributors, and buyers. In this article, we break down what’s changed, what’s exempt, and how your business can stay one step ahead of potential supply chain disruption.

What’s Included in the 2025 Trump Tariffs?

The 2025 Trump tariffs represent a new phase in US trade policy, aiming to promote domestic manufacturing and apply pressure on countries seen as unfair trading partners. The key feature is a 10% import tariff applied to most goods entering the United States. However, the White House has released guidance stating that semiconductors are exempt from this tariff, but there’s a catch.

The exemption only applies to raw or discrete semiconductors. If a product contains a semiconductor, as almost all modern electronics do; it may still be subject to the new tariffs. This has created confusion in the electronics sector, where end-use and component classification can be difficult to untangle.

Are Semiconductors Really Exempt?

The short answer is: it depends.

Not all semiconductor products are automatically exempt. In practice, tariff eligibility depends on several factors, including:

• Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) code
• End-use classification
• Country of origin and assembly complexity

For example, a semiconductor chip imported as a component may avoid the tariff. But once that chip is embedded in a finished product, like a mobile phone, it’s treated differently. In these cases, the finished item is tariffed, even though its individual components may not be.

At Rebound Electronics, we always recommend businesses validate their HTS codes to determine whether their products are classified correctly and what tariffs may apply.

The Supply Chain Implications for Electronics Companies

These new tariffs are causing ripple effects throughout the electronics supply chain in 2025. With margins already tight and demand for components still recovering from global shortages, even a 10% cost increase can significantly impact profitability.

But beyond the direct costs, there’s a broader strategic impact. Many businesses are now rethinking their sourcing strategies, weighing the pros and cons of global versus regional supply chains. The possibility of ongoing trade policy swings has led to a renewed focus on:

• Reshoring (bringing production back to the US)
• Nearshoring (moving production to Mexico, Canada or Latin America)
• Diversified sourcing (spreading suppliers across multiple countries to manage risk)

In short, these tariffs are acting as an accelerant to existing trends towards regionalised manufacturing and away from over-reliance on any single country.

Navigating Complexity with Rebound Electronics

Understanding whether your products are affected by the semiconductor tariff exemptions requires expert knowledge of trade classifications, country-of-origin rules, and product design. That’s where Rebound comes in.

As a global electronic component distributor with expertise in supply chain logistics and compliance, we help our customers:

• Identify whether their goods qualify for tariff exemptions
• Review and optimise HTS codes to reduce duty exposure
• Adapt sourcing strategies to protect margins
• Respond quickly to policy changes and supply bottlenecks

If you’re unsure whether your BOM (Bill of Materials) is vulnerable to new tariffs, our team can provide a tariff impact assessment tailored to your products and supply routes.

What Businesses Should Do Next

If your business relies on imported electronics or sells finished goods containing semiconductors, now is the time to act. Here are three quick steps to start managing your tariff risk:

1. Review your HTS codes:

Small classification errors can result in major cost differences. Make sure every component and finished product is correctly categorised.

2. Audit your supplier base:

Evaluate where your goods are manufactured and assembled. A country change; even just for final assembly can affect tariff eligibility.

3. Partner with experts:

Whether it’s compliance guidance or alternative sourcing options, a knowledgeable distributor can give you the agility you need in an uncertain market.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Trump-era tariffs are already reshaping how the electronics supply chain operates. While some semiconductor products are exempt, the line between what qualifies and what doesn’t is far from clear-cut. That’s why businesses need to stay informed, agile, and ready to respond.

At Rebound Electronics, we’re helping clients not just survive this shift, but come out stronger. If you’re facing tariff headaches, let’s talk.