Washington: The Trump administration will impose new sector-specific tariffs on electronic goods and semiconductors, United States Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on Sunday. This follows Friday's temporary exemption on certain products from Trump's sweeping 125% reciprocal tariff policy.

Speaking to ABC's This Week, Lutnick clarified that smartphones, computers, and other tech goods would still be subject to tariffs under a separate framework. He added that pharmaceutical products would face new duties within the next month.

“We can’t be relying on China for fundamental things that we need: our medicines and our semiconductors need to be built in America,” Lutnick said, emphasising domestic manufacturing goals.

Although the exemptions granted on Friday covered smartphones, flat-panel displays, and semiconductors — providing relief to companies like Apple, Samsung and Nvidia — Lutnick noted these were only temporary and strategic.

The April 2 tariff announcement initially imposed 145% duties on a wide range of Chinese imports, triggering major market losses. Apple alone reportedly saw over $640 billion wiped from its valuation, according to CNBC.

China has since urged the US to “completely cancel” the tariff plans and take a more constructive approach.