While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, April 13, 2025
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US President Donald Trump's 125 per cent China tariff has been dropped for a range of electronic goods, including smartphones and computers.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Trump spares smartphones, computers from China tariff
The US government has granted tariff exclusions for smartphones, computers and other electronics imported largely from China, sparing them from President Donald Trump’s steep 125 per cent reciprocal duties.
A notice from the US Customs and Border Protection agency did not provide an explanation for the Trump administration’s move, but the late-night exclusion provides welcome relief to major US technology firms, including Apple, Dell Technologies and countless other importers.
The exclusion only applies to Mr Trump’s reciprocal tariffs on Chinese goods, which climbed to 125 per cent this week, according to a White House official. Trump’s prior 20 per cent duties on all Chinese imports that he said were related to the US fentanyl crisis remain in place.
But the official said Mr Trump will launch a new national security trade investigation into semiconductors soon that could lead to other new tariffs on the sector.
Hamas releases video of Israeli-American hostage
AFP
Hamas on April 12 released a video purportedly of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who has been held in Gaza since he was captured by Palestinian militants on Oct 7, 2023.
In the undated video, the man who introduces himself as Edan Alexander states he has been held in Gaza for 551 days. The man questions why he is still being held and pleads for his release.
Mr Alexander is a soldier serving in the Israeli military.
US in hurry for nuclear deal, Iran says, after high-stakes talks
VIA REUTERS
The United States wants a nuclear agreement “as soon as possible”, Iran said after rare talks on April 12, as US President Donald Trump threatens military action if they fail to reach a deal.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who briefly spoke face-to-face with Mr Trump’s special envoy, Mr Steve Witkoff, during the indirect meeting in Oman, said the talks would resume on April 19.
“The American side also said that a positive agreement was one that can be reached as soon as possible but that will not be easy and will require a willingness on both sides,” Mr Araghchi told Iranian state television.
Recovering Pope out and about at favourite basilica
AFP
Pope Francis, continuing his recovery from life-threatening pneumonia, made a surprise visit on April 12 to his favourite Roman basilica, the Vatican press service said on Telegram.
It was a fourth unscheduled appearance in recent days for the 88-year-old Pope – including one at the Vatican’s Saint Peter’s Basilica on April 10 – despite doctors urging him to rest.
April 12 saw him “pray before the icon of the Virgin” at Saint Mary Major, the press service said, on the eve of Palm Sunday, as Christians enter Holy Week culminating in Easter Sunday in a week’s time.
Arsenal held, leaving Liverpool closer to EPL title
AFP
Arsenal had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Brentford on April 12 after Yoane Wissa’s fine finish to leave Liverpool within three wins of clinching the Premier League title.
Arsenal suffered a minor first-half come down from their exhilarating 3-0 Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over visiting Real Madrid in midweek, with the hosts struggling to beak down a well-organised Brentford side.
Thomas Partey put Arsenal in front just after the hour mark following great work from Declan Rice, the two-goal hero against Real, but Wissa levelled with a hooked 74th-minute finish.
