Your tech is about to get expensive

April 7, 2025

By Kim Komando

If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your phone, laptop or maybe finally grabbing that gaming console, here’s your sign: Do. It. Now. Not “next paycheck” now. But now. 

🚨 Thanks to a fresh batch of tariffs, tech prices are about to go full popcorn ceiling, high and not looking cute.

What’s happening?

As of April 2, 2025, President Trump rolled out hefty tariffs targeting electronics imported from three countries that, spoiler alert, make tons of our gadgets.

Here’s the breakdown: Chinese goods now face a 54% tariff, Vietnam is hit with 46%, and India gets 27%.

Most of our electronics come straight from these countries.

Translation: The next wave of iPhones, laptops, TVs and consoles will cost more before they even hit the boat.

But how much more?

Grab a stress ball.

• The base model iPhone 16, currently $799, could jump to around $1,142. And the iPhone 16 Pro Max? Try nearly $2,300. Nearly all iPhones are made in China.
  
• Around 80% of laptops (and tablets) sold in the U.S. are made in China. With that 54% tariff, you’re looking at about $350 added to your next laptop.
• Most gaming consoles are built in China and Vietnam. Prices could jump 58%, meaning a $500 console could soon cost you $790. Nintendo already delayed preorders for the upcoming Switch 2 because of tariffs.
• Tariffs on Chinese-made e-bikes soared to 79%.

⏰ Why you need to act now

The tariffs only apply to new imports. What’s in stores and warehouses right now was brought in before the tariffs hit. But once that inventory is gone, up go prices. 

This is your Black Friday-in-April moment. No camping required.

What should you grab?

• Smartphones, especially if yours needs a walker.
• Laptops and tablets, for work, school or backups.
• Gaming consoles. If it’s on your radar for a gift or upcoming release, don’t wait.
• Home electronics like smart TVs, speakers and anything you’ve been eyeing for your setup. 

Tariffs might boost U.S. manufacturing in the long run, but in the short term, your tech wish list just got more expensive. Shop now, future you will thank you. 

😎 I shot the tariff. But I did not shoot the subsidy.