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Juan Carlos López
Senior WriterAn engineer by training. A science and tech journalist by passion, vocation, and conviction. I've been writing professionally for over two decades, and I suspect I still have a long way to go. At Xataka, I write about many topics, but I mainly enjoy covering nuclear fusion, quantum physics, quantum computers, microprocessors, and TVs.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
President Donald Trump’s tariffs have left tech companies concerned. In mid-April, Customs and Border Protection officially announced that certain electronic devices and strategic components would be exempt from these levies. However, the exemption is only temporary, and it’s expected that tariffs will eventually impact the consumer electronics and semiconductor industries.
The Consumer Technology Association recently released a comprehensive report by Trade Partnership Worldwide (TPW), a consultancy firm that specializes in economic and trade analysis. The study examines the potential impact of tariffs on consumer electronic devices. Its findings are alarming.
Notably, TPW estimates that gross domestic product could be reduced by $69 billion annually as a result of these tariffs, while consumers may spend $123 billion less each year.
The Price of Tech Products Is Projected to Increase by 11–70%
The study outlines a potential scenario where the Trump administration’s 90-day pause on higher tariffs ends in July. However, given the current unstable situation, the proposed measures may not be implemented as the government expects.
Video game consoles are expected to be the most affected, given that the majority of them are manufactured in China.
TPW’s conclusions are quite concerning. According to the report, the average retail prices are expected to rise across the board: phones by 31%, monitors by 32%, laptops and tablets by 34%, and video game consoles by an alarming 69%. Desktop PCs are also expected to see a price increase of approximately 24%.
Video game consoles will be particularly affected, as most of them are manufactured in China and will likely face tariffs of 145%. If this occurs, TPW estimates that imports into the U.S. could decrease by 71%.
This scenario illustrates the impact that tariffs will have on U.S. consumers. However, there will also be a global effect. Prices will likely rise worldwide if American companies face higher costs when importing components or manufacturing abroad.
Image | George Beridze
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