How The Proposed Trump Tariffs Increase Prices for Consumer Technology Products

Tariffs and trade have once again become a central topic in the 2024 U.S. general elections. Former president Donald Trump and his allies are proposing a wide array of new tariffs to impose on imports into the U.S.

Two proposals are gaining the most attention:

• A 10% or 20% tariff on all imports from all countries; and
• A 60% tariff on all imports from China.

Through the new report commissioned by CTA and undertaken by the Trade Partnership Worldwide LLC (TPW), we are contributing to the increasing body of analysis of these proposals.

TPW’s analysis examines the specific impacts of proposals on ten consumer technology products, including: smartphones, laptops and tables, connected devices, video game consoles, and computer accessories.

Across the board, the tariffs will cause significant price increases for U.S. consumers:

• Laptops and tablets by 46%
• Video game consoles by 40%
• Smartphones by 26%.

The research also shows that the 60% flat tariff on all imports from China will largely drive production to other countries, not to the United States.

Hard-nosed and fact-based analysis is necessary for policymakers to consider the merits of these proposals. It’s not enough to say we disagree with them. We are proud to publish this research and encourage policymakers, analysts, and stakeholders to read our study.

Published: October 2024

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