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Tech stocks gained Monday, after President Donald Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics from tariffs.
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JPMorgan analysts said the exemption would be "a big relief" for Apple, which makes most of its devices in China.
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Shares of Apple, as well as laptop maker Dell, rose on the temporary reprieve in tariffs.
Apple (AAPL), Dell Technologies (DELL), and other tech stocks gained Monday, after President Donald Trump imposed a pause on import tariffs on many electronic goods.
Smartphones, computers, and semiconductors have been exempted from Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs, according to updated guidance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Friday, although Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday suggested the carve-out would be temporary.
JPMorgan analysts said the exemption would be "a big relief" for Apple, which makes most of its devices in China. They said they expect Apple "to significantly accelerate its diversification plans, including an initial focus on the assembly footprint." India now makes up around 15% of iPhone production, with Vietnam representing "a significant manufacturing center for Airpods and Watch, while still ramping on iPads and Macs," they said.
Apple shares added about 2% Monday, extending Friday's gains. They have, however, lost nearly a fifth of their value so far this year.
Laptop maker Dell, which makes most of its products outside the U.S., saw its shares rise 4% Monday. JPMorgan analysts said in a separate note on retailer Best Buy (BBY), that they believe the pause in consumer electronics tariffs "is a clear indication of the importance of the products to the US consumer and the weight of large US companies" like Dell, Apple, and others.
Shares of several semiconductor firms, including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Western Digital (WDC), and NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), gained as well. (Read Investopedia's live coverage of today's market action here.)
UPDATE—April 14, 2025: This article has been updated since it was first published to reflect more recent share price values.
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