President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on U.S. imports spark concerns about a trade war and threaten to raise prices Everything we buyincluding Apple products.
The cost of the latest technology seems to be rising every year, but experts warn smartphone and Laptop price It could climb even higher due to the huge tariffs this year.
Tax transactions this week
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In addition to imposing tariffs on goods in nearly 200 countries, Trump announced this week that he added tariffs to Chinese goods by 34%, and Apple makes most of them. He has raised China’s tariff rate by 20% since February.
Experts predict that a cumulative 54% tariff rate hike will increase prices of products produced in China, including iPhone,,,,, iPad,,,,, MacBooks and airpods. But it is not clear how much it will actually have on the price.
“While demand may plummet, prices are expected to rise by 20% to 40%. Patti BrennanCertified financial planner and CEO of Key Financial said in an email. “If or when it happens, the price may drop.”
Others say Apple can absorb more costs as early as possible to remain competitive with other technology markets.
“In the coming months, tariffs could increase Apple product prices by about 10%, which could lead to a price increase of $50 to $150 for premium products like iPhone Pro Max Max Models and MacBook Pros,” he said. Stephan ShipeThe certified financial planner and academic financial advice CEO said in an email.
Best Buy and Target warned consumers last month that expect everything to rise after The latest round of tariffs Take effect. February’s tariff rate hike has prompted Acer to announce it’s Increase laptop price.
If you are buying a new Apple device or imported gaming system on the market, e.g. Nintendo Switch 2 or PlayStation 5 ProThis is how tariffs can raise prices and what you should prepare for.
What’s wrong with the tariffs?
Trump announced a 10% benchmark tariff on all imported goods and the “mutual tariffs” of more than 180 countries on April 2, which he called “liberation day.” He has long touted tariffs, even if the trade deficits and increased revenues to offset tax cuts, although many economists say tariffs could lead to higher prices and could ultimately harm the U.S. economy. US stock prices plummet The market has reacted badly to widespread tariffs since Trump announced the market.
Trump has taken a particularly firm stance on China, which has been subject to tariffs ordered by Trump in his first term in office. The latest round of tariffs means the prices of these goods may rise. China responded to each round of tariffs on U.S. products, including coal, crude oil and agricultural products such as chicken, beef, soybeans, wheat and pork.
In theory, tariffs are intended to affect other countries financially because their goods are being taxed. 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?
The tariffs imposed on products from China and anywhere else could translate into higher prices for consumers. This means the technology you use every day, such as imported smartphones, tablets, laptops, television and Kitchen utensilsthis year may become more expensive.
If the entire cost is passed on to shoppers, we will see prices of Apple products made in China rising by 54%. Apple has moved some of its production to other countries, including India, Malaysia and Vietnam. But they were all hit by their own tariffs yesterday – Vietnam saw a 46% tariff hike. Apple also provides components for its products from a number of countries, all of which are now facing new tariffs.
If Apple does raise prices directly with Chinese tariffs this year, the T-Mobile iPhone 16 starts at $830 and may jump to $1,278. You can get one 15-inch MacBook Air Prices start at $1,199 on Amazon; a 54% rate hike will increase the base price to $1,846.
However, tariffs on commodities do not necessarily mean that prices will rise by the same amount. If companies want to stay competitive, they can absorb some costs to keep prices down.
Apple announces $100 price cut New MacBook Air Last month, one day after the last round of tariffs. In an attempt to persuade Trump to “exempt” the latest tariffs, Apple announced in February that it would spend more than $500 billion over the next four years Expand manufacturing operations in the United States.
“They have promised $500 billion to the U.S. manufacturing, and Apple has no carvings,” Brennan said. “They will have to transfer most of this kind of expenses to consumers.”
Read more: Higher tariffs could make solar more expensive
Should you buy technology now to avoid tariffs later?
If you plan to buy a new iPhone, gaming console, MacBook or other technology, buy It Now Save money.
However, if you don’t have cash and plan to use credit card or Buy now, pay later Experts say the plan is just to avoid tariffs to ensure you have the money to pay before you start generating interest. Average interest rates on credit cards are currently More than 20%this Raise the cost of large purchases Due to the tariffs, any savings you will get can be quickly eliminated before prices rise.
“The purchase decision will depend on immediate demand, but on tolerance for potential price increases,” Shipp said.
A method Save Apple productseven if the price rises, you need 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,” he said. Shawn DubravacIPC’s chief economist, Manufacturing Trade Association (IPC), said in an email. “Technology is naturally deflated, which means that over time performance increases, prices will often lower the price of products of similar quality.”
