PCs and Smartphones Will Be Exempt from Trump’s Tariffs, But Consoles Like PS5 Will Not

Discussing Donald Trump’s tariffs is similar to attempting to hit a rapidly shifting target with an arrow; they’re constantly being adjusted, even several times in one day.

However, since the proposed taxes may significantly affect the gaming industry, let’s make sure to keep everyone informed about the current state of affairs, understanding that this is a developing situation and updates may be necessary in the future.

Currently, it seems that personal computers (PCs) and smartphones are not going to be subjected to tariffs, unlike dedicated video game consoles such as the PS5. Whether this is a mistake or a deliberate move remains uncertain. We can only hope for clarity as things progress.

Trump has previously reversed several of his policy decisions, including temporarily halting tariffs from significant nations for a duration of 90 days.

On the contrary, a reciprocal approach with China has led them to impose potential tariffs of up to 145% on their imported goods, particularly those related to electronics such as video game consoles and accessories. These items are primarily produced in China.

In essence, Sony’s proactive approach by increasing its supply chain and storing a larger number of PS5 consoles in the U.S. before the imposition of tariffs has provided it with immunity from these levies, at least for now. This strategic move gives the company some breathing room to observe how the situation unfolds.

For now, it’s been disclosed that console prices in Europe will rise due to “difficult economic conditions”.

The plot twists in this tale seem unforeseeable, making it challenging to predict what comes next. It appears that tariffs might be softened, and considering electronics like PCs and smartphones have been exempted, we speculate that the video game industry may seek similar leniency through lobbying efforts.

However, this ongoing turmoil is significantly straining an already fragile world economy, and it appears that prices will undeniably increase no matter what happens next.

We’ll keep you updated.

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2025-04-14 14:06