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U.S. President Donald Trump (right) shakes hands with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 14. / UPI-Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 14 that his administration may delay imposing tariffs on automobile parts, and suggested that Apple products and smartphones could also be exempt from the ongoing trade measures.

Trump’s comments came just hours after the European Union finalized a decision to hold off on retaliatory tariffs against the United States, signaling a possible easing of trade tensions.

Following the remarks, shares of U.S.-listed automakers—Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler—jumped between 1% and 4%, according to CNBC.

Speaking from the Oval Office during a meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump was asked whether certain items were being considered for temporary tariff relief. He replied that the administration is looking into ways to support car manufacturers who need time to relocate production facilities back to the U.S.

“We're looking at ways to help some of the automakers,” Trump said. “They’re moving parts production from Canada, Mexico, and other places to the U.S., but they need a bit of time.” He added, “We’re having discussions because they just need a little more time.”

Since April 3, the Trump administration has imposed a 25% tariff on automobiles and related parts. However, duties on key auto components—such as engines, transmissions, and powertrains—are set to take effect by May 3.

In response, several automakers have taken swift action. Ford and Stellantis announced limited-time employee pricing programs, Jaguar Land Rover halted shipments to the U.S., and Hyundai pledged not to raise vehicle prices for at least two months to ease consumer concerns, CNBC reported.

When asked whether Apple products and smartphones might also receive tariff exemptions, Trump responded, “I haven’t changed my mind, but I’m a very flexible person. Sometimes you go around the wall, under it, or over it.”

He added, “Something might come of it. I’ve spoken with Tim Cook (Apple’s CEO) recently. I’ve helped him before, and I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

On the previous day, Trump clarified on Truth Social that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's decision to exclude 20 items—including smartphones, memory chips, and computers—from reciprocal tariffs was not a waiver, but a reclassification. He emphasized that these products are currently subject to a 20% fentanyl tariff and will be moved to a different "tariff bucket." He also announced an upcoming national security investigation into the semiconductor and broader electronics supply chain.