The US is considering tariffs that would increase the prices of laptops, phones, and gaming consoles.

      The proposed tariffs aim to enhance U.S. chip manufacturing; however, there is potential for laptops, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices to be caught in the crossfire.

      According to reports, the Trump administration is contemplating an additional round of semiconductor tariffs that could extend beyond individual chips to include the electronics that incorporate them.

      One of the strategies being discussed involves imposing duties on products that contain semiconductors, affecting devices such as laptops and gaming consoles.

      For consumers, the implications are straightforward. If finished electronic products incur extra duties, this additional cost could reflect in retail pricing. While phones haven't been specifically mentioned, they could also be impacted if the final regulations broadly apply to devices with imported chips.

      How extensive could these tariffs be?

      The proposal might extend well beyond taxing semiconductors at the border. Finished products containing these chips could also be targeted, significantly expanding the range of consumer technology impacted.

      Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick reportedly supports offering tariff relief to foreign companies that bolster investment in U.S. chip manufacturing. The administration is also considering a gradual implementation of the tariffs over time.

      This strategy would provide manufacturers an incentive to move production to the U.S. However, the downside would be that some imported electronics may become pricier during that timeframe.

      The plan remains in development and could undergo significant changes before any implementation. The White House and Commerce Department have not publicly commented on the reported proposal.

      Why your next device might be more expensive

      While tariffs are paid by importers, companies don’t always absorb the entire expense. A portion of the cost may eventually be passed on to consumers.

      This raises a clear concern for laptops and gaming equipment, where even a modest price increase can make upgrades less justifiable. Including tariffs on finished products would also target a much wider array of consumer tech than a policy focused solely on individual chips.

      The situation for phones is less clear. Their fate will hinge on how the final rules classify products containing imported semiconductors and the exemptions made.

      What happens next?

      A critical detail to monitor is whether finished consumer electronics will remain in the proposal as it evolves.

      If the final policy is limited to semiconductors, the direct impact on device prices might be minimal. Conversely, if the duties apply to finished products, laptops and consoles could see a more immediate price increase, with phones potentially following suit.

      There is still insufficient information to specify any price increases. The final extent will determine whether this issue remains mainly a semiconductor-focused policy matter or evolves into a noticeable concern for consumers when replacing laptops, consoles, or phones.