Op-Ed: US tariffs in 2025—Impacts on the global tech industry

Rising costs, supply chain shifts, and a new era of trade uncertainty...

Image credit: Pixabay and Canva

The 2025 US tariffs could impact the global tech industry significantly. A baseline 10% duty on imports, with steeper penalties for specific countries like China (54%), Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), Japan (24%), and the EU (20%), has increased costs and disrupted supply chains.

Industries dependent on clean tech, renewables, electric vehicles, and energy storage face challenges due to the tariffs, especially with China's counter-tariffs on graphite and rare earth metals. This might slow AI infrastructure development, which relies on affordable energy solutions.

Taiwan, home to TSMC, has been hit with a 32% duty on most exports, except semiconductors, which remain tariff-free to maintain global chip supply. However, this exemption still puts strain on Taiwan’s broader tech sector. Major tech firms like Apple have seen their stock values drop, as many rely on Chinese manufacturing. Some are exploring production shifts to India and Southeast Asia, although those regions face tariffs too.

These measures could dampen global IT spending as businesses and consumers hesitate to invest in tech due to rising costs. Economists warn of a possible global recession, hinting at a new era of trade uncertainty as companies work to adapt their strategies. The tariffs could also lead to permanent shifts in manufacturing locations.

Image: Partial list of 2025 tariffs by country. Credit: The White House.

More news!