(Credit: PCMag Composite/Getty Images)
Uncertainty reigns in global trade, with tensions brought on by the Trump administration’s decision to levy tariffs—taxation based on a percentage of a product’s value—on imports from countries near and far. The stated goal is to get US consumers to buy more domestically made items. The reality is that products made in the US cost a lot, and the overseas supply chains and manufacturers' prowess (coupled with far less expensive and, many would argue, exploited labor) keep the cost of things low. Or, at least, lower than they would be if made in the States.
All the back-and-forth doesn’t help. The White House levied tariffs on several countries, scaled some back, and then doubled down with China because it retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods. Imports from China will, as of this writing, see a total of 145% tax. Meanwhile, the US announced exemptions for some electronics, like computers, phones, and PC components—but not everything (most notably, video game consoles).
There is currently a 90-day pause on Trump's "reciprocal tariff" increases with most countries, though not China (US goods going into China are now subject to a 125% tariff). A 10% duty enacted on April 5 with all countries will remain across the board.
The situation is a confusing mess for manufacturers, shippers, investors, and, of course, consumers like you, who eventually will be hit by higher prices for goods.
(Credit: Numerator)The Numerator chart above shows that 89% of US consumers know about the tariffs. Meanwhile, 72% of households are concerned about a recession. A survey by our sister site CNET finds that 60% of US adults plan to make budget changes to prepare for price increases. If you’re worried about the tariffs' impact on your current or future purchases, here are some tips that can help.
1. Purchase What You Can Afford Right Now
If you already have your budget and sights set on purchasing a big-ticket, brand-new product like a phone or laptop, don’t hesitate. Do it now. It is not going to get cheaper in the long run. Even if an overall product doesn’t increase in price immediately, components like semiconductors will face a "special focus-type of tariff" in the next month or so, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Things will add up eventually.
According to our tariff tracker, which looks at month-to-month pricing of do-it-yourself PC components, the cost appears to be holding steady on most items so far. The exception seems to be graphics cards. (Also, check out our GPU price tracker.)
CNET has seen similar results with its own tariff tracker, which covers more general tech items. That tracker was recently updated for May: Prices appear steady month-to-month on items such as the iPhone 16 and the Nintendo Switch (first generation), increased for the Xbox Series X, but decreased for Apple AirPods Pro 2.
Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist for OpenBrand, which tracks price changes, told PCMag's Michael Kan in April that the "small stuff" may experience the most significant impact given their smaller margins. "Items like small notebooks, basic PCs, headphones, and Bluetooth speakers are likely to take a bigger hit (in terms of price increases) than items like powerful laptops, high-end gaming machines, noise-cancelling headphones, and premium sound systems," he said.
In his recent story on the viability of cheap laptops going forward, PCMag lead analyst Brian Westover notes that budget buyers will be hardest hit. “Some companies may eat part of the rise," he writes. "But rates in the 100% range, if they stick, are impossible for any company to simply absorb.”
Our camera analyst Jim Fisher says, “Most photo gear is manufactured in Asia, so it’s wise to buy now, during the 90-day pause. It’s better to get something now, as retailers and importers will likely pass the bulk of the cost of tariffs onto consumers.” He adds that renting equipment can be a good option for photographers. Plus, there’s an active second-hand market, which brings us to our next tip.
2. Opt for Refurbished Products
(Credit: Elnur/Shutterstock)Buying refurbished tech, which is fixed, cleaned, or otherwise spiffed up, is always worth considering. With tariffs, going secondhand is all the more compelling. Because refurbs are typically already in the country, they’d be exempt from tariffs. Vendors likely will still jack up prices anyway to keep up with all the other increases, but there isn't much anyone can do about that. For more, read our 10 things to know before buying refurbished electronics.
Numerous online stores specialize in refurbished electronics that are traded in. Reebelo, BackMarket, and Gazelle sell cell phones and often tablets, and some go even further, offering everything from childcare gear to sporting goods. Meanwhile, you can send some of your own equipment to these sites, as a trade-in or an outright sale, to get some money back. Your old goods will, in turn, feed the beast that is the refurbishment market.
3. Consider Products With Limited Tariff Implications
Not all countries are being treated equally. PCMag's Kan points out that TVs, for example, "don’t seem to be affected since many are manufactured in Mexico," and Mexico and Canada are currently exempt from the higher reciprocal tariffs. But do your research. For instance, Samsung was rethinking its investment in Mexico in March, when the US announced the initial tariffs against Mexico and Canada. Knowing where a product originates may help, but that’s not always easy to determine. Try searching online for a company name and country to see if they manufacture there. What product is made in what factory is always subject to change.
4. Optimize What You've Got
(Image: Shutterstock/Sensvector)If your tech is getting slower, consider some quick fixes to avoid buying new or refurbished items. Factory reset that old phone and start from scratch, or follow our tips to make your old phone faster. Buy tune-up software like Iolo System Mechanic (software, as an "intangible good," isn't subject to tariffs). Or change settings on your PC or in Windows to clear out the cruft and get your machine working better.
Basic computer upgrades can go a long way. Westover writes that a “new SSD or additional memory can do wonders for a system that has started feeling sluggish.” Those purchases, even with the tariff trickledown, will be much cheaper than getting a new computer.
5. Avoid Shein and TikTok Shop, But Temu Is Local
It’s addictive to "shop like a billionaire." But on April 25, Temu and Shein raised prices after Trump axed the De Minimis policy, the exemption that allowed packages valued at under $800 to come in duty-free from China and Hong Kong.
Last week, Temu decided to only show US shoppers "local" items—that is, merchandise already in a warehouse in the States. "All sales in the US are now handled by locally based sellers, with orders fulfilled from within the country," the company told PCMag.
This should reduce shipping waiting time, but expect the variety of products to dwindle. Canadians can still get cheap Temu products from China without having to worry about the tariff issue.
There is no word yet on whether Shein and TikTok Shop will follow suit and limit online shoppers in the US to local items. Shein already had a "local warehouse" option for some products in its online store, as well as partnerships with the 400 physical Forever 21 stores in the US. (USA Today tracked some Shein and Temu products in April and found that the majority had prices go up even before the De Minimis repeal.)
In light of the De Minimis policy repeal, TikTok has warned its sellers to brace for tariff-related changes. Meanwhile, TikTok is attempting some local services expansions. Of course, the social network could still end up banned from the US entirely by June 27.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong announced it will stop accepting US-bound packages due to the tariffs. "The US is unreasonable, bullying, and imposing tariffs abusively," the country said in April. "Hongkong Post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the US and will suspend the acceptance of postal items containing goods destined to the US."
6. Don't Stick With Just One Brand
PCMag’s own Alan Henry wrote a piece over a decade ago arguing that brand loyalty is for suckers. “When you trust any one company to meet all of your needs, you shut off the ability to make smart decisions about what you use, when you use it, and why," he wrote. "Instead, that loyalty forces you to contort your needs into whatever shape that company gives you. They tell you what to buy, instead of the other way around.”
There’s perhaps never been a better time to heed these words. Your favorite brand may only have products coming from China, which means you’ll be punished for sticking with them. Shop around instead.
7. Buy Made in the USA Products—If You Can Find Them
(Credit: Bob Al-Greene)The stated goal of many tariffs is to increase the amount of products made in the US and keep all the money here. Americans wanted to do that even before Trump's second term, according to a 2022 Harris Poll conducted with Retail Brew about shopping preferences. Of course, these same consumers don’t want those products to get too expensive.
As we pointed out in our last look at the tech that’s actually made in the US, “American electronics manufacturing is about making high-value, high-quality products with a focus on customer support. But that means the majority of the affordable gadgets found on Walmart shelves will continue to be made abroad for the foreseeable future.”
It’s almost impossible to find electronics made entirely with parts sourced in the US. (Some product categories aren't even assembled here at all.) For example, the only US-made smartphone is the Librem 5 USA—which came out six years ago and cost $2,000 even then. Compare that to the China-assembled Librem 5, which costs $699. In other words, good luck finding many US-built products to buy (or that you can afford).