Trump’s tariff can increase iPhone and MacBook prices. But experts say not to buy panic

The cost of your next smartphone or laptop can be higher than you planned.

President Donald Trump ordered a 10 % tariff on imports from China, which came into effect on Tuesday morning. China immediately avenged by placing a customs tariff on some American products.

Customs duties may mean that you will soon have to pay more for products imported from China, including electronics. For example, Apple manufactures a lot of iPhone, iPads, Macbooks and AirPods in China.

Some products from China are already subject to the tariff that Trump has requested during his first term in office. Declaration of additional definitions at the end of this week can increase prices. Trump also announced definitions about imports from Canada and Mexico during the weekend, but he stopped this tariff for at least a month amid negotiations with both countries.

Customs duties are designed in theory to financially influence other countries where taxes are imposed on their goods. Customs duties are paid by the American company that imports the product, and these fees are usually transferred – but not always – to the consumer in the form of higher prices.

“I expect many elements that come from China or have spare parts in China to increase prices,” he said. Doug CurryHe is a legal financial analyst and head of Wealtetrace, a financial planning software company.

Do you have to buy electronics and other imported goods now to avoid tariff costs? We asked experts.

Technology prices such as iPhone and Macbooks can rise

Experts expect the definitions imposed on products from China – and possibly Canada and Mexico – will be translated into higher prices. This means that the technology it uses every day, such as imported smartphones, tablets, laptops, televisions and even kitchen devices, can become more expensive this year.

How can it look like that? If the full cost is transferred to shoppers, we may see an increase of 10 %. For example, MacBook Air currently begins at $ 849 at Amazon; 10 % increased the basic price to $ 934. The iPhone 16 Pro, starting from $ 1,000 in T-Mobile, can jump to $ 1100.

A 10 % tariff on the goods made in China does not necessarily mean that prices will rise in the same amount. In some cases, it may not increase much, if any.

If companies want to maintain competition, they may absorb some costs to maintain their prices lower, Stephen ConersCertified Real Estate and President Convert Management.

Read more: The higher definitions can make going to solar energy more expensive

Should you buy technology now to avoid definitions later?

If you are planning to buy a new iPhone, gaming unit, MacBook, or other technologies, then their purchase can now save you money.

“For this reason, the items that people should think about buying now instead are smartphones, tablets, laptops, TVs, furniture, kitchen appliances, clothes and shoes,” Carrie said.

But if you do not have money on hand and plan to use a credit card or buy now, then pay only later to avoid customs tariffs, experts say. Thanks to the average interest rates for credit cards that are more than 20 % currently, it can allow the cost of financing a large purchase of any savings that you will get by purchasing before the prices rise due to the customs tariff.

“I do not recommend any panic purchases, especially if these elements are not necessary,” said Connez.

One of the savings methods, even if the prices have risen, are the purchase of the model last year instead of the latest version.

“If you are not planning to upgrade your smartphone next year, for example, there is no need to rush to buy a new smartphone,” he said. Sean DobroakIPC’s chief economist, Industrial Trade Association. “Technology is naturally considered contraction, which means that performance over time rises and that prices are generally decreased to obtain similar quality.”