Trump tariffs could cause tech prices to rise by 46%, says report

Your tech will likely be more expensive under these proposals – and it’s not just the USA being affected

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(Image credit: Getty Images / Pool)

Donald Trump

(Image credit: Getty Images / Pool)

It’s no secret that the recent US election will have serious consequences around the world. The USA is a major player on the global stage, and as such its decision-making can and will trickle out to other territories.

We’ve already seen some evidence of that. Earlier this week, I wrote about howBluesky had gained 700,000 userssince the election, with many leaving due to Twitter owner, Elon Musk, having such a direct involvement in the Trump campaign. Musk has since beennamedas the co-head of the incoming President’s new Department of Government Efficiency.

One of the most talked about points since Donald Trump’s victory is the proposal ofTrump tariffs. That was one of the main campaign points for the Republican candidate – and it could have serious consequences for the price of your technology.

What are Trump tariffs?

In short, Mr Trump is proposing to use tariffs on imported goods as a means of dictating international relations, while also seeking to incentivise production within the USA. The idea is that these tariffs would make it more cost-effective to produce in the USA, as well as bringing in more capital, to lessen the risk of tax rises for US citizens.

It is worth noting that the plan is not to tax thecountrywhere goods are coming from, but rather the US company seeking to use material from that country.

According toBusiness Insider(via a paywall), Trump is planning to impose a 10-20% tariff on all goods entering the country, plus an additional tariff of at least 60% on Chinese goods. That last part is where the problems could arise for tech lovers.

(Image credit: Getty Images / Andrew Harnik)

Elon Musk and Donald Trump

(Image credit: Getty Images / Andrew Harnik)

Will Trump tariffs make my tech more expensive?

The same Business Insider report says that Trump had indicated such plans would not raise prices for American consumers. There is, however, a lot of reputable evidence to suggest against that. After all, the chances of a business opting to swallow an overnight increase in cost for the benefit of its consumers is slim-to-none.

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What’s worse than any of that, though, is that the research also suggests the policy won’t deliver one of its key targets. It states that the 60% tariff said to be imposed on Chinese imports will mostly drive production to other countries – but not the USA.

(Image credit: Future)

iPhone 16 in ultramarine

(Image credit: Future)

It won’t just affect the USA, either

Don’t think you’ll get away with it just because you live in the UK, Europe or anywhere else, either. See, while these tariffs will onlydirectlyaffect US citizens, the indirect impact will also be notable.

Cynically speaking, it makes perfect sense. If a manufacturer can test the water with a higher price and find that people are still willing to pay, the argument can be made to increase it elsewhere, too.

That’s something I anticipate seeing. After all, if a brand is currently making a tablet for $500, and after the tariff comes in that costs $750, they’re likely to increase the relative price in other markets. That keeps things consistent, stops users from buying across borders, and leaves more money in the pocket of their company.

What can I do to avoid Trump tariffs as a consumer?

Ultimately, nothing. While it’s always wise to take rumours of changes with a pinch of salt, it does look likely that the Trump administration will attempt to push through these tariffs. If they do, a wide array of sources suggest that your tech spending it going to skyrocket overnight.

There are some solutions, though. If you’re financially capable, it’s worth looking at what technology you may need to buy over the next few years, with a view to purchase it right now. Say, for example, you know that you’ll want to upgrade your phone in a few months – consider looking for something now, to avoid the price rises.

Right now is an especially good time to do so, because thebest Black Friday dealsoften occur on big ticket tech items. Over the next couple of weeks, you’ll find everything from new phones tobig TVsslashed in price, which could be a godsend for those looking to stockpile ahead of the tariffs.

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