GPUs and tariffs — Why I recommend buying a new graphics card now before the prices climb even higher

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Updating your computer with the most recent central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) can be quite expensive as they often account for the biggest portion of the upgrade costs.

Of course, it makes perfect sense that those with a passion for gaming, content creation, or simply reliant on these components, would be closely monitoring the increasing costs.

Contrary to expectations following the announcement of a 90-day tariff truce on April 9 by the U.S. President (Trump) with all nations apart from China, it is not anticipated that GPU prices will decrease.

There continues to be a bothersome 10% tax on every item imported from the U.S., and semiconductors utilized in GPUs are subject to an additional 25% tariff, which is applied to imported aluminum products.

Most times, I would advise considering the purchase of a new GPU at present, given the current situation, although it’s important to note that this isn’t an absolute yes or no decision.

Should I buy a new GPU now before more tariffs arrive?

Amid the constant fluctuation of tariffs, leading some to question whether it’s prudent to invest in a new graphics processing unit (GPU) now, given the uncertainty of market conditions worsening.

It’s unclear how the recent trade dispute will unfold, but it’s unlikely that escalating GPU costs will decrease in the near future, regardless of the outcome.

As a tech-savvy individual, I can’t help but notice the trend. Prices are undeniably on the rise, and it seems like they’re only going to go up even more with the next round of tariffs. So, if you’ve been eyeing a GPU, it might be wise to make the purchase now rather than later. This could potentially save you some hard-earned cash in the long run.

In February, Trump proposed possible tariffs on certain semiconductors, ranging between 25% and 100%. These tariffs might affect TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), the primary manufacturer for NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel’s Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) based in Taiwan.

In a press conference held on April 3, President Trump hinted at imminent tariffs on certain types of chips, indicating a potential escalation in trade actions. This could raise the current import tariffs for Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) above the existing 10% and 25% rates.

It’s yet unclear if that will occur, but even a $749 graphics processing unit (GPU) might find itself in the price range previously deemed luxury, exceeding $1,000.

For the time being, the temporary halt in reciprocal tariffs lasting 90 days (excluding China) spares TSMC from immediate danger, and offers a slight reprieve to prospective GPU buyers.

Since the situation might shift unexpectedly, it’s advisable that if you’re interested in purchasing a new Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), you should begin your search as soon as possible.

Indeed, individuals looking to purchase a new Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) might find the process less than enjoyable due to continuous supply shortages, reselling by unscrupulous parties, and retail prices significantly higher than Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP).

The current GPU landscape is dire, tariffs or not

Due to issues like stock scarcity, resellers exploiting prices (scalping), and consumers disregarding Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, the GPU market is currently far from ideal. This problem becomes more pronounced when we consider the impact of tariffs as well.

NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel all launched new lineups of GPUs in the past four months.

Starting from January 31, NVIDIA launched its RTX 50-series with models RTX 5090 and RTX 5080. However, it soon became evident that the idea of having sufficient supply and prices close to NVIDIA’s suggested retail price was merely a fantasy.

It didn’t get any better with the launch of the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070.

Similarly, the AMD Radeon RX 9000 GPUs were officially unveiled on March 6. They flew off the shelves almost immediately, and as a result, the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for numerous models escalated at authorized dealers.

Intel’s Battlemage GPUs were launched in December 2024 and have remained in high demand due to their affordable pricing and exceptional performance, causing them to often sell out quickly.

Increase in prices for previous generation’s popular cards can be attributed to their widespread appeal and the shift in manufacturing towards newer hardware.

Since manufacturers such as NVIDIA typically release their GPUs in both reference designs (like the Founders Edition cards) and custom versions from partners (such as ASUS, Acer, Gigabyte, PNY, etc.), the market price may not consistently adhere to Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

I’ve noticed that each partner has the autonomy to determine pricing based on factors such as individual market demands, which explains why Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) costs were already elevated prior to any significant tariff implementations.

The current prices for the RTX 5070 Ti on Newegg are significantly higher than the $750 Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that NVIDIA unveiled during their CES 2025 presentation.

All items are currently unavailable, and their prices on Newegg can vary between $750 for two cards to as high as $1,300. However, it’s important to note that resellers (scalpers) may charge even more than the listed price ranges.

The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, initially priced at $599, is being sold on Newegg for anywhere between $880 to $1,299. Notably, the highest price point of $1,299 is being offered by a third-party vendor who appears to be excessively marking up the product price.

Even though some items are priced at their original value, they tend to get sold quickly due to high demand. This leaves the expensive alternatives for the remainder of us.

What’s the best way to buy a new GPU?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been scouring the market to find the top spots where you can purchase brand-new NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards. My aim is to help you secure a high-quality GPU as quickly as possible.

For potential buyers, it’s been quite challenging due to the imposition of tariffs and the looming fear of additional tariffs leading to uncertainty and disarray.

With the latest GPUs from AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel hitting the market, it’s becoming increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to find the older yet still valuable models at a fair price.

Regrettably, there isn’t a foolproof method to acquire the perfect GPU for you, and finding any new GPU at its Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is quite uncommon.

It’s worth noting that certain items continue to be listed at recommended prices, but they usually get snapped up quickly.

In 2025, when you’re planning to purchase a new GPU, I recommend keeping an eye on online stores by checking them at least once a day to find out if any fresh stocks have become available.

Among the stores I consistently monitor are Best Buy, Newegg, B&H Photo, and Amazon due to their likelihood of receiving new stocks. However, don’t forget to check out local and smaller businesses too.

Amazon is now requiring Prime membership for purchasing NVIDIA RTX 50-series GPUs as a tactic to prevent unscrupulous reselling, but this does not guarantee that the cards will be sold at their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

GPUs and tariffs: FAQ

1. What is the status of tariffs on GPUs?

Currently, tariffs are being imposed on certain types of GPUs imported into the United States from China. These tariffs are part of an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries.

2. How are these tariffs affecting GPU prices in the US market?

The tariffs have resulted in increased production costs for manufacturers, which can lead to higher prices for consumers purchasing GPUs in the U.S. market. Some vendors may choose to absorb these extra costs, while others might pass them onto the consumer.

3. Are there any alternatives to Chinese-made GPUs available?

Yes, some GPU manufacturers have facilities outside of China and are able to produce GPUs elsewhere. However, the supply chain for non-Chinese GPUs may be less efficient, leading to potential shortages or delays in delivery. Additionally, these alternatives might not always be as cost-effective due to higher production costs in other regions.

4. Will the tariffs continue indefinitely?

The future of these tariffs is uncertain and depends on ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and China. It’s possible that the tariffs could be lifted, reduced, or extended based on the progress of trade talks.

5. Are there any exemptions to the tariffs on GPUs?

Exemptions to these tariffs are granted on a case-by-case basis by the U.S. government. Manufacturers may apply for an exclusion if they can demonstrate that their products are not available from domestic or third-country sources, and that the imposition of the additional duty would severely impact their business operations.

How do tariffs work?

Import taxes, often referred to as tariffs, represent extra fees levied on products brought into a particular nation. Their main purpose is usually threefold: to boost the country’s own financial resources (through increased revenue), to strengthen local industries (by creating a competitive advantage), or to exert economic influence over foreign governments (for strategic reasons).

At present, President Trump is pushing countries to revise their trade agreements and boost domestic production, with a particular focus on the semiconductor industry.

In the current context, the US President is urging other nations to renegotiate trade terms and stimulate local manufacturing expansion, particularly for the semiconductor sector.

Regrettably, the additional expenses caused by tariffs often end up being borne by regular consumers and small companies.

Are GPUs exempt from tariffs?

Graphics cards are not exempt from tariffs.

Despite TSMC being situated outside of China and thus avoiding the recent extensive Chinese tariffs, GPUs are still subject to a uniform 10% import tax as well as a 25% tariff on aluminum imports.

The situation might shift suddenly, and it’s been made clear by President Trump that he intends to implement a tariff specifically on semiconductors in the future.

How long will tariffs on GPUs remain in place?

The duration it might take for the existing tariffs impacting GPUs to be lifted, as well as the potential implementation of additional tariffs on semiconductors, remains uncertain.

As someone eagerly keeping tabs on the GPU market, I strongly recommend making your purchase right away if you find yourself in dire need of an upgrade. The current prices may hold steady or even surge, so securing one now could save you potential hassle and additional costs later on.

Why is it so difficult to buy a GPU right now?

The GPU market is experiencing a range of problems, including manufacturing difficulties, insufficient stock, and excessive demand, all of which are exacerbated by tariffs.

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are like gold these days – they seem to sell regardless of their price tag. The recent tariff news has only fueled the frenzy as fans scramble to grab a new GPU before any further price increases.

Will GPU prices continue to go up?

Based on current trends, I anticipate that graphics card prices will continue to increase over the next few weeks and months.

Despite GPU prices significantly exceeding their original market value, the desire for these new graphics processors continues to be strong. Moreover, the possibility of upcoming tariffs seems to further escalate this demand.

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2025-04-11 13:40