The Trump administration is set to impose tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other devices in "a month or two," according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. In an interview with ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl on This Week, Lutnick revealed that the administration plans to lump these products in with duties on semiconductors, similar to the automotive tariffs already issued.

This move comes after the administration released updated guidance last week, excluding smartphones, laptops, and other products from Trump's new tariffs, including the 125 percent additional levy on Chinese-produced goods. However, Lutnick emphasized that this exemption is not permanent, and these products will be subject to a "special focus type of tariff" applied to the semiconductor industry.

When asked if the new tariffs will include products like iPhones, many of which are built in China, Lutnick confirmed that they will be affected. The goal, he stated, is to "encourage them to reshore, to be built in America." This move is seen as part of the administration's efforts to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign production.

Lutnick cited the example of Panasonic, a Japanese company that has built a factory in Kansas, as evidence that companies can successfully manufacture in the US. However, it's worth noting that Panasonic's factory was announced in 2022 and is reportedly set to receive billions in incentives under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, which Trump has threatened to rescind.

The impact of these tariffs on consumers remains unclear. When asked if the new tariffs will lead to higher prices for goods in the US, Lutnick expressed optimism that domestic manufacturing can help keep prices in check. However, the effects of tariffs on the global supply chain and consumer prices are often complex and difficult to predict.

This development is the latest in an ongoing trade saga between the US and China. The Trump administration has been vocal about its desire to reduce the US trade deficit with China, and tariffs have been a key tool in this effort. However, the impact of these tariffs on the US economy, as well as the global tech industry, remains a subject of debate.

As the administration moves forward with these plans, it will be important to monitor the effects on the tech industry and consumers. Will the tariffs lead to a shift in manufacturing practices, or will they simply drive up costs and prices? Only time will tell.