HP, Dell, Apple, Lenovo and other major laptop manufacturers have suspended shipments to the United States for two weeks following the implementation of a 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods. The move affects notebooks, smartphones, and networking components as companies scramble to assess the impact of President Trump’s sweeping new tariff regime.
Consumer electronics firms appear most vulnerable to the policy shift that took effect at noon Taiwan time today. PC makers could face cost increases of 10-25%, potentially adding $200-500 per unit, according to industry analysts. Affected companies are initiating discussions with suppliers about sharing the tariff burden.
Surveillance equipment maker Vivotek told investors its shipments to American markets were temporarily suspended while ensuring adequate inventory at US subsidiaries. The company, which derives over 50% of revenue from North America, will negotiate cost-sharing arrangements with business partners.
Keyboard manufacturer Chicony indicated that American clients are currently operating from existing inventory while seeking alternatives. Similarly, peripheral maker Primax stated most US customers continue normal operations with one exception that has paused procurement.
Component suppliers including passive electronics makers and optical parts producers report normal order patterns so far, though executives privately worry about recession risks if trade tensions persist. Server rail producers have begun “tariff allocation” discussions with customers, with three-way cost-sharing between end users, system manufacturers and suppliers considered the most likely outcome.
The disruption comes as global markets tumble amid escalating trade tensions, with tech hardware stocks hit particularly hard last week. Taiwan’s government has called the tariffs “unreasonable” and pledged to discuss them with Washington.
