Tariffs are making headlines again. And for good reason. As discussions about trade policies heat up, tech buyers may soon feel the ripple effects of rising costs across everyday technology.
Proposed updates to tariffs under a second Trump administration could bring sharp price increases to a wide range of products, especially those made in China. From laptops to servers, these changes are expected to have a direct impact on both businesses and consumers.
For companies planning tech upgrades or infrastructure projects, now is the time to act before price hikes hit the market.
Understanding the Trump Tariff Proposals
So, what is being proposed? Two major scenarios are on the table. Both with steep increases.
The first, referred to by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) as the 10%/70% scenario, would apply a 10% tariff on all imports, combined with an additional 60% tariff on goods from China, totaling 70% for those items.
The second scenario is even more aggressive: the 20%/120% scenario includes a 20% tariff on all imports and an extra 100% tariff on China-made goods. Leading to a potential 120% increase in cost. (source)
These proposals, if implemented, would drastically reshape tech pricing.
Whether you're sourcing infrastructure for a business or replacing personal devices, the cost of waiting could be significant.
How Tariffs Impact the Tech Industry
Tariffs affect manufacturers, which then trickles down to the end user. When the cost of imported parts and finished goods increases, companies have no choice but to adjust their prices.
In the tech world, this means essential products like laptops, routers, servers, networking gear, and even accessories could see double-digit percentage price increases. Components sourced from Chinese manufacturers are especially vulnerable. Even items assembled in other countries may carry increased costs if they rely on Chinese parts.
These cost hikes will eventually show up on quotes, invoices, and renewal agreements. And once pricing increases start rolling out, it’s unlikely they’ll reverse anytime soon.
Pricing Surge: What Businesses and Consumers Can Expect
If the proposed tariffs move forward, prices on tech products could rise quickly. And not just by a little.
In some cases, we’re talking about increases of 20% to 120%, especially on equipment with Chinese-made components. Even everyday essentials like laptops, firewalls, or access points could see hundreds of dollars added to their final price.
The pricing impact won’t hit all at once, but it will come in waves. First, manufacturers and suppliers will update their pricing structures. Then, distributors and resellers will follow. Finally, those increases will land on your quote. By the time it reaches your team, the total cost could be significantly higher than what you would pay today.
For businesses budgeting for tech upgrades in the next 6 to 12 months, this presents a clear challenge: pay more later, or act now while pricing is still stable.
Products Likely to See the Biggest Price Increases
If new tariffs go into effect, products will all be affected differently. Some categories of technology are more exposed due to where and how they’re made. Businesses that rely on these tools regularly could feel the cost increase more than others.
Here are a few product types that are likely to see the biggest jump in pricing.
Laptops and Desktops
Many of these devices rely on components manufactured in China, including chips, batteries, and displays. Even devices assembled elsewhere may still be subject to higher costs due to Chinese parts.
Networking Equipment
Items like firewalls, switches, and access points often depend on Chinese manufacturing.
These are critical for keeping businesses connected and secure, and higher tariffs could significantly affect project budgets.
Servers and Storage Hardware
Infrastructure-level equipment tends to carry a higher price tag to begin with, so even small percentage increases translate into large dollar amounts.
Businesses refreshing or expanding their infrastructure should be especially cautious.
Business Accessories
Items like monitors, docking stations, headsets, and webcams may seem like minor purchases, but they add up fast. Especially in large rollouts or hybrid office setups.
If your business is planning to purchase any of these products within the next year, it may be wise to move sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more you may end up paying for the same equipment.
Why Acting Early Matters
Waiting to purchase until after tariff increases are in full swing may hurt your budget as well as your timeline. As demand rises and pricing pressure builds, product availability is likely to tighten.
That means longer lead times, fewer choices, and higher implementation stress for your IT or customer support team.
Acting early ensures:
- Locked-in pricing before increases take effect
- More product availability across models and configurations
- Smoother deployments, without the rush that comes when everyone is reacting at once
- Less strain on internal teams who would otherwise be scrambling to meet tighter deadlines
By planning ahead, you can secure the tools your business needs now. Without the surprise markup later.
Implications for IT Teams and Procurement Departments
Rising tech costs can affect your entire workflow. IT teams may suddenly face shorter timelines, limited hardware options, and increased urgency from leadership when prices jump.
That pressure can lead to rushed deployments, misconfigurations, or delays in other planned projects.
For procurement teams, price fluctuations can disrupt annual budgets, purchasing schedules, and vendor negotiations. Planning a project with today’s pricing, only to find costs have increased by 20–100% in a few months, puts everyone in a difficult position.
By securing products and services now, teams avoid the stress of rushed approvals, unavailable inventory, and last-minute strategy changes. Early planning leads to smoother execution. And fewer headaches for everyone involved.
What Customers Can Do Right Now
With price hikes on the horizon, the best move is to get ahead of the curve. You don’t need to overhaul everything today, but a few smart steps can go a long way:
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Review your IT roadmap:
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Identify what you need to buy or upgrade within the next 6–12 months.
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Lock in quotes:
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Reach out to your vendor or account rep and secure pricing before increases take effect.
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Place orders early:
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Even if you’re not deploying right away, you can often reserve inventory at today’s pricing.
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Check in with procurement:
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Make sure your purchasing process won’t cause delays that could push you into higher tariff territory.
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Ask about pricing protection:
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Some vendors offer short-term programs to shield against price changes. Just don’t wait to ask.
Questions to Ask Your Tech Vendor or Consultant About These Changes
Even if you're not ready to purchase today, it's a good time to start conversations with your vendor or IT consultant. They can help you understand what changes may be coming and how to prepare.
Here are a few smart questions to ask:
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“Do you expect pricing to increase this quarter or next?”
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This helps you get ahead of any price adjustments before they affect your budget.
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“Can we lock in current pricing now, even if we’re deploying later?”
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Some vendors offer flexible ordering or delayed delivery while still honoring today’s prices.
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“How much of your product line is impacted by China-based components?”
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Understanding how exposed a product is to tariff changes can help you prioritize what to buy now.
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“Do you have any inventory in stock that won’t be subject to new tariffs?”
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In some cases, inventory already in the U.S. may not be affected until it runs out.
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“Are there any alternative products you recommend if pricing changes?”
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This gives you a backup plan and helps keep projects on track, even if pricing becomes unpredictable.
Asking these questions now can lead to smarter decisions and fewer surprises later. It’s about being proactive and positioning your business to stay ahead of the curve.
Get Ahead of the Tariff Curve
The proposed tariffs could lead to serious pricing changes across the tech industry. And they may arrive sooner than many expect. Whether you’re managing IT for a business or planning upgrades for the year ahead, now is the time to take action.
The closer we get to implementation, the more pressure it puts on everyone involved. From procurement to customer support.
If you’ve been waiting to purchase, consider this your signal. Lock in today’s pricing while it’s still available and put your business in a stronger position before the market reacts.
Makios is here to help you navigate these changes.
[Reach out to us today](mailto:cs-team@makios.com)
to learn more!
