You May Soon Pay More for Apple Devices. Experts Weigh In on Trump’s Tariffs
The cost of the latest technology seems to be rising every year – but this year cell phone and Laptop price It may be higher due to tariffs.
Last week, President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, a move that is expected to raise prices for imported technology and electronic products, including Apple products made in China. For example iPhone,,,,, iPad,,,,, MacBooks and airpods.
“I expect some of the prices from China or made in China will rise.” Doug Careyis a chartered financial analyst and president of WealthTrace, a financial planning software company.
If you buy a new Apple device or imported gaming system on the market, such as the PlayStation 5 Pro, that’s how tariffs can raise prices and what you should prepare for.
What’s wrong with the tariffs?
On February 1, President Trump’s 10% tariff on Chinese imports took effect. On February 5, these tariffs were suspended in small value packages (under $800) until “enough systems can be processed completely and locally and collected tariff revenues”, Executive Order.
In return, China imposed a new 10% to 15% tariff on certain U.S. goods, including coal and crude oil, which was implemented on February 10. Trump is expected to impose new tariffs on retaliation.
Products imported from China have been subject to tariffs ordered by Trump during his term. The latest tariffs mean the prices of these goods may rise.
The Trump administration also plans to impose tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but has suspended tariffs for at least one month in negotiations with the two countries.
In theory, tariffs are intended to tax other countries’ goods, thereby financially affecting other countries. The tariffs are paid for importing products from U.S. companies, and this UpCharge usually (but not always) transfers it to consumers at a higher price.
How much can iPhone and MacBook prices rise?
Experts expect tariffs on products from China and potentially Canada and Mexico will translate into higher prices. This means the technology you use every day, such as imported smartphones, tablets, laptops, television even Kitchen utensilsthis year may become more expensive.
What would that look like? If the full fee is passed to shoppers, we may increase the growth by 10%. For example, 13-inch MacBook Air Currently starting at $849 on Amazon; a 10% rate hike will raise the base price to $934. this iPhone 16 ProThe starting price at T-Mobile is $1,000 and may jump to $1,100.
Trump also has the potential to impose tariffs on chips, which could affect the price of products that use them, but this has not been determined yet. 10% tariffs on goods made in China do not necessarily mean prices will rise. In some cases, they may not increase if any.
If companies want to stay competitive, they may absorb some costs to keep prices down. Steven C. Connerscertified real estate planner and president of Connors Wealth Management. However, Shawn DubravacThe chief economist at the IPC of the Manufacturing Trade Association said some companies may turn to not importing products from China, which could lead to an increase in imports from other countries this year.
Read more: Higher tariffs could make solar more expensive
Should you buy technology now to avoid tariffs later?
If you are planning to buy a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other technology, then buying it can save you money.
“So, people should consider that the items that are purchased now rather than later are smartphones, laptops, TVs, furniture, kitchen utensils, clothing and footwear,” Carey said.
But if you don’t have cash and plan to use a credit card or buy it now, pay the plan later to avoid tariffs, experts say wait. The average interest rate for credit cards is currently over 20%, Raise the cost of large purchases Due to the tariffs, any savings you will get can be eliminated before the price rises.
“I don’t recommend buying any panic, especially if these items are not essential,” Connors said.
Even if prices rise, one way to save is to buy last year’s model instead of the latest version.
“If you don’t plan to upgrade next year, you don’t need to rush to buy a new smartphone,” Dublavak said. “The technology is naturally deflated, which means that performance increases over time and prices usually drop similarly Quality products.”
