India and the U.S. are set to hold another round of trade talks in May, aiming to resolve ongoing tariff disputes and enhance bilateral trade. The discussions will focus on expanding trade, improving market access, and reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to impose reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods starting April 2, unless India lowers its tariffs on American products. In response, India has reduced its average industrial tariffs from 13.5% to 10.66%, signaling a willingness to negotiate. Both nations are working towards a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the goal of finalizing its first phase by fall 2025. (PC: The Tribune)

On April 14, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on semiconductors and pharmaceutical products, citing national security concerns. Simultaneously, he proposed a temporary relief on auto industry tariffs to aid companies adjusting supply chains. The administration initiated investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, focusing on imports of chip-making equipment and pharmaceutical ingredients. This move follows recent exemptions of certain high-tech goods from "reciprocal" tariffs. Notably, Nvidia committed up to $500 billion to build AI supercomputers in the U.S., aligning with Trump's push for domestic manufacturing. These developments occur amid escalating trade tensions, with China imposing 125% tariffs on U.S. imports in retaliation. (PC: Biography)

South Korea has increased its semiconductor industry support to 33 trillion won ($23.25 billion), up from 26 trillion won, addressing U.S. policy uncertainties and Chinese competition. Financial assistance for chipmakers like Samsung and SK Hynix will rise to 20 trillion won. In 2024, semiconductors comprised 21% of South Korea's exports, totaling $141.9 billion, with China and the U.S. as key markets. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of potential new tariffs on imported semiconductors. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok plans to consult with the U.S. to minimize impacts from Section 232 investigations. This aligns with South Korea's broader strategy to support key industries amid global trade tensions. (PC: Reuters)

Indian stock markets opened the week with a major rally as the BSE Sensex surged 1,750 points to 76,907.63 and the NSE Nifty rose 539 points to 23,368.35. The surge followed US President Donald Trump’s temporary easing of tariffs on electronic goods, boosting global investor confidence. All 30 Sensex stocks traded in green, with Tata Motors leading the rally. Sectoral indices like Auto, Realty, and Financials saw major gains. Analysts suggest the bullish trend could continue if Nifty crosses 23,400. Despite FIIs selling equities, strong domestic buying drove markets up. Only Asian Paints and TCS ended slightly in the red. (PC: PTI)

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that smartphones, computers, and certain electronics recently exempted from steep tariffs on Chinese imports will soon face new duties, alongside semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, within the next two months. This marks a further development in President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff strategy, which continues to unsettle global markets and U.S. businesses due to ongoing policy shifts. Although the Trump administration temporarily excluded some tech products from the 125% reciprocal tariffs, Lutnick clarified they would still be affected by upcoming sector-specific tariffs. The announcement comes after China retaliated by raising its tariffs on U.S. imports and amid growing criticism from business leaders and politicians.(PC: Wikipedia)

In a dinner with Silicon Valley leaders, Former US President Obama asked Steve Jobs why Apple couldn't manufacture iPhones in the U.S. Jobs responded, "Those jobs aren’t coming back," citing the vast scale, speed, and specialized skills available in China. He emphasized that Apple needed 30,000 engineers to support 700,000 factory workers—resources the U.S. lacked. Despite Apple's $500 billion investment commitment in the U.S., challenges remain due to the absence of a comparable manufacturing ecosystem. In the present scenario, US President Trump's push for domestic production through steep tariffs aims to shift manufacturing stateside. However, Apple's reliance on China's infrastructure and workforce continues to be a significant factor in its global supply chain strategy. (PC: LinkedIn)

The Trump administration has granted key exemptions to US tech companies by removing smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components from a sweeping list of Chinese goods targeted by new tariffs. Originally set to face reciprocal tariffs as high as 145%, these electronics will now avoid the brunt of the trade measures. The decision is seen as a strategic move to protect American consumers and tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, who rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing. However, these items still remain under a separate 20% China-specific tariff enacted last month, maintaining pressure amid ongoing trade tensions. (PC: Investopedia)  

To circumvent the Trump administration's 125% tariffs on Chinese imports, Apple airlifted approximately 1.5 million iPhones (600 tons) from India to the U.S. By establishing a "green corridor" at Chennai airport, customs clearance was expedited from 30 to 6 hours. Foxconn's Chennai plant increased production by 20%, operating even on Sundays. Apple's Indian exports surged, with Foxconn's shipments to the U.S. reaching $770 million in January and $643 million in February 2025. India's iPhone production could double to $30 billion annually, creating 200,000 jobs. Apple's strategic shift underscores India's growing role in its global supply chain, aiming to mitigate tariff impacts and solidify its manufacturing base outside China. (PC: AFP & Xataka)

The United States has exempted smartphones and computers from President Donald Trump's global tariffs, narrowing the scope of levies that included a 125% tariff on Chinese imports and a 10% baseline tariff on other countries. This move provides significant relief to the tech industry, which had been bracing for increased costs. The exemptions were announced by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, a notice from the China Semiconductor Industry Association indicated that U.S. chipmakers outsourcing manufacturing to Taiwan would be exempt from China's retaliatory tariffs, as the country of origin would be classified as Taiwan. This development is expected to ease tensions in the ongoing trade disputes. (PC: Wikipedia)

On April 10, 2025, Google laid off hundreds of employees within its platforms and devices unit, which manages key products such as Android software, Pixel phones, and the Chrome browser. This follows a voluntary exit program offered by the company in January. A Google spokesperson explained that the move was part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations after combining the Platforms and Devices teams in the previous year. The goal is to enhance agility and effectiveness within the organization. Earlier in February, Bloomberg reported additional cuts in Google's cloud division, albeit limited to a few teams. These workforce reductions are part of broader restructuring efforts that began in January 2023, when Alphabet announced plans to eliminate 12,000 positions, representing 6% of its global workforce. Google did not respond to Reuters' request for additional comments. (PC: Boom)