Home modems, routers hit by US China tariffs as ‘smart’ tech goods escape

FILE PHOTO: Flags of U.S. and China are placed for a meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture in Beijing, China, June 30, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo

WASHINGTON: US tariffs that hit some US$200bil (RM827.10bil) worth of Chinese products on Sept 24 spare many high-profile consumer technology items such as “smart" watches and speakers, but the less flashy home modems, routers and Internet gateways that make them work weren't so lucky.

Consumer tech industry officials and the US Customs and Border Protection agency say they expect billions of dollars worth of these products, including those designed for home use, will be subject to the 10% tariffs activated on Sept 24.