A New Tariff in Town: Navigating Rising Costs in Computer and Network Hardware

A New Tariff in Town: Navigating Rising Costs in Computer and Network Hardware

The tech world is facing a double whammy: looming tariffs on imported goods and the Windows 10 end-of-life (EOL) deadline in October 2025. If your business relies on computers and network hardware, these changes could significantly impact your budget and purchasing strategy.

Let’s break down what’s happening, how it affects your hardware costs, and how you can plan smartly to avoid overspending.

How New Tariffs Will Impact Hardware Prices

The U.S. government has proposed new tariffs on Chinese imports, which include many computer components, laptops, networking equipment, and servers. Key details include:

• 60% tariff on Chinese imports – affecting motherboards, processors, and networking gear.
• 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada – potentially increasing costs for some U.S.-based manufacturers.
• 10% tariff on imports from other countries – adding price pressures on goods from Europe and beyond.

What This Means for You

Since much of the IT hardware supply chain runs through China and other tariffed countries, we can expect:

✅ Price hikes on laptops, desktops, and network devices. Industry experts predict laptop prices could increase by 40-50%, while networking equipment might see a 20-30% jump.
✅ Delays in availability as manufacturers rethink supply chains.
✅ Higher operating costs for businesses needing to replace aging computers.

Now, throw in the Windows 10 end-of-life deadline, and we have a serious purchasing dilemma.

Windows 10 End-of-Life: A Major Upgrade Deadline

Microsoft is officially ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means:

🚨 No more security updates or patches. Machines running Windows 10 will be vulnerable to cyberattacks and compliance risks after this date.
🚨 Compatibility issues. Many applications will start prioritizing Windows 11, leaving Windows 10 users behind.
🚨 Performance concerns. Older machines may struggle to run Windows 11 efficiently.

If your business still has Windows 10 machines in operation, you should be planning upgrades now. But with rising hardware costs due to tariffs, how can you make the most cost-effective decisions?

How to Budget and Purchase Machines Before Prices Rise

To avoid overspending on IT hardware, here’s a smart purchasing strategy:

1. Assess Your Inventory Now

✅ Identify all machines running Windows 10 and check their specs.
✅ If they don’t meet Windows 11 requirements, plan for a replacement ASAP.
✅ If they do meet Windows 11 requirements, budget for an OS upgrade instead of a full replacement.

2. Purchase Hardware Before Tariff Increases Take Effect

💡 Buy sooner rather than later. Prices are expected to rise as tariffs roll out. If you wait until fall, you could be paying 20-50% more for the same device.
💡 Bulk purchasing may help. If you need multiple machines, consider buying in bundles to get vendor discounts.
💡 Lease instead of buy. Leasing devices could help spread costs and avoid high upfront expenses.

3. Prioritize Security and Performance

🔹 Invest in business-grade machines. They last longer and offer better security than consumer models.
🔹 Upgrade networking equipment, too. If your network is running on older firewalls, switches, or Wi-Fi routers, now might be the time to refresh before tariff increases hit.
🔹 Work with an IT provider. A managed IT service can help strategize upgrades, negotiate better pricing, and handle migrations smoothly.

Final Takeaway: Act Now to Avoid the Cost Spike

With the Windows 10 deadline approaching and tariffs threatening price hikes, businesses need to budget and purchase wisely. Waiting too long could mean paying hundreds—or even thousands—more for necessary IT upgrades.

The best approach? Plan now, buy smart, and avoid last-minute panic.

Need help navigating these IT decisions? Schilling IT can assist with hardware upgrades, Windows 11 migrations, and long-term IT strategies. Let’s make sure your business is ready without breaking the bank. 🚀