Asian technology shares rebounded on Monday following the U.S. government’s announcement of temporary exemptions from steep import tariffs on smartphones, laptops, and other electronics—most of which are manufactured in China. The decision brought immediate relief to Apple-linked suppliers across the region, although uncertainty remains around semiconductors and broader trade policy.
Apple Suppliers Lead Gains
Shares in Foxconn, Apple’s largest iPhone assembler, rose about 4%, while contract laptop manufacturer Quanta surged 7%. Inventec, a key producer of AI servers, also advanced 4%, contributing to an overall 1% rise in the broader regional tech index.
Other Apple suppliers posted moderate gains as well. In China, Goertek climbed 3%, and Lens Technology added 1.1%. In South Korea, Samsung Electronics—which supplies components to Apple and holds the No. 2 spot in the U.S. smartphone market—rose 2%.
Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities described the exemptions as a “net positive” for Apple and the tech sector at large, offering flexibility ahead of expected trade negotiations between the U.S. and China.
iPhone Supply Adjustments Highlight Ongoing Risk
Despite the market reaction, analysts continue to warn about supply chain fragility. Apple, which heavily relies on Chinese manufacturing, reportedly chartered cargo flights to ship over 600 tons of iPhones from India to the U.S., in anticipation of price hikes due to tariffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump clarified on social media that while electronics are temporarily exempt, they are being moved into a different “tariff bucket” as part of a broader national security investigation into the tech sector, which also includes semiconductors.
Semiconductor Stocks Mixed on Tariff Warnings
The exemption news failed to lift all boats. Semiconductor makers saw mixed results after Trump indicated that a new tariff rate on imported chips would be announced in the coming week. He added that certain companies could receive “flexibility” depending on their strategic value.
TSMC, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, initially opened higher but fell into negative territory, while SK Hynix slipped 0.2%. The subdued performance reflects investor caution over pending U.S. actions and the unclear scope of upcoming restrictions.
Analysts Urge Caution
According to Alex Huang of Mega International Investment Services, the early rally in Asian tech stocks may be premature. “It’s impossible that semiconductors will be exempt from the tariffs,” Huang said, arguing that chips represent a key bargaining tool for the U.S. in trade talks.
Investors now await TSMC’s Q1 earnings report on Thursday, which could further influence sentiment in the tech sector.
