Top Electronics Worth Purchasing Before Tariff Increases Take Effect, Plus One Item It's Advisable to Hold Off On
In the coming months, consumers may face increased costs for various electronics due to new tariffs on goods imported from China. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to make informed purchasing decisions.
With a bit of strategy and careful timing, consumers can still save money and avoid paying more as these tariffs take effect. American brands are not entirely insulated from these tariffs, as most devices rely on complex global supply chains. Critical components often come from multiple countries, with China playing a major role in both sourcing and assembly.
Electric vehicles (EVs), lithium-ion batteries related to EVs, and semiconductors are among the electronics most likely to see price increases. Tariffs on electric vehicles have increased to 100%, lithium-ion EV batteries to 25%, and semiconductors to 50% as of early 2025[1]. Additionally, many camera makers like Nikon, Canon, and Leica have announced price hikes on photographic equipment due to tariffs imposed in 2025[2].
Other electronics potentially impacted by these tariffs include battery parts (non-lithium-ion), solar cells, and some related minerals essential for electronics manufacturing, which face increased tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% depending on the product category[1].
If you're considering purchasing electronics that will see tariff increases in the future, such as lithium-ion non-electric vehicle batteries, it might be beneficial to delay your purchase until after tariff rates or negotiations improve[1]. Consumer electronics like gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch 2, have so far only seen accessory price increases but could face future price adjustments depending on market conditions and tariff developments[2].
For products like cameras where tariffs are already causing price hikes, delaying purchases might avoid some immediate increases if tariff rates stabilize or drop, but this is uncertain. Entry-level laptops and budget tablets could be among the first to reflect new tariffs, and it may be worth purchasing them before the summer ends to avoid increased costs[3].
Higher-ticket electronics, where profit margins may already be tight, are more likely to have the costs passed on to consumers, especially once current inventory sells through. Smart home devices can be purchased with some time, and better deals may show up later in the year[3].
The tariffs could lead to price increases for many consumer electronics as early as late summer, just in time for back-to-school shopping and ahead of the holiday rush. Smart TVs are not subject to the upcoming tariffs as they are now assembled in countries like Mexico, Vietnam, and South Korea, and the best deals on TVs and streaming devices tend to land in late November during Black Friday and Cyber Monday[4].
Three tech items that consumers might consider buying now to avoid potential price increases are undisclosed in the provided text. However, smartphones, including iPhones and budget-friendly Android phones, are likely to see price increases due to tariffs, and it may be beneficial to purchase them before tariffs take effect, especially if an upgrade is due[5].
Game consoles, such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch, could become more expensive due to tariffs, and it may be advantageous to purchase them now to lock in a price and potentially avoid stock shortages during the holiday season[6]. President Donald Trump's tariffs, set to take effect starting August 1, will impact a wide range of goods imported from China, including consumer electronics such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming consoles[7].
In essence, prioritise purchasing electronics heavily tariffed already (like EVs, semiconductors, batteries) before tariffs increase further or take effect if possible. For other electronics with tariff hikes scheduled in the future or pending market responses, consider delaying purchases if convenient and track tariff developments closely[1][2]. Tariffs are essentially taxes on imports, and when the cost of importing goods goes up, companies often choose to pass the costs on to consumers[8]. Retailers may initially absorb some of the extra cost, but higher prices are expected to reach consumers once existing inventory runs out[9]. Tariffs apply pressure to supply chains and eventually reach consumers' wallets, and it may be wise to shop for smartphones, gaming consoles, and laptops sooner rather than later to avoid higher prices.
- As tariffs on smartphones are expected to take effect starting August 1, it may be beneficial to purchase a new smartphone, such as an iPhone or a budget-friendly Android phone, beforehand to avoid potential price increases.
- Although game consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch could see price increases due to incoming tariffs, purchasing them now could lock in a price and potentially avoid stock shortages during the holiday season.
- Furthermore, as critical components for gadgets like wallet-sized Defi devices, smartphones, and cameras often come from multiple countries with China playing a significant role, consumers may want to consider purchasing these items as soon as possible to avoid potential price increases and stock shortages due to tariffs.
