Why did my new laptop cost more this year?

Laptops imported from China face a 25% tariff under Section 301. On a $1,200 laptop, that's $300 in tariff costs that manufacturers pass to consumers through higher retail prices.

Are Apple products affected by tariffs?

Yes. While some Apple products received temporary exclusions, most consumer electronics including iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, and iPads are subject to IEEPA or Section 301 tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% depending on the product and country of manufacture.

Can I get a refund on electronics tariffs?

If you're an importer, your entries may qualify for CAPE Phase 1 refund recovery. Consumers can benefit through Tariffi's B2B2C distribution program, which channels recovered tariff refunds back to end buyers.

Which electronics have the highest tariffs?

Laptops, desktop computers, and audio equipment from China face the highest rates at 25%. Smartphones and tablets are typically at 15%, while some display and component imports are at 7.5%.

Tariff Rates

Tariff on Electronics: The Hidden Tax on Your Tech

U.S. tariffs on imported electronics add 7.5-25% to the retail price. The average American household pays an estimated $800-1,200 per year in hidden tariff costs on electronics alone. These duties are eligible for refund through the CBP CAPE program.

7.5-25%

tariff rate range

$800-1,200/year

avg. household impact

$665 billion

total U.S. imports

How Much Do Tariffs Add to Electronics Prices?

Here's what tariffs actually cost you on common electronics purchases.

Product	Tariff Rate	Price Impact
Smartphones	15%	$150-200 per phone
Laptops	25%	$200-400 per laptop
Tablets	15%	$75-150 per tablet
Headphones/Earbuds	25%	$25-75 per pair
Monitors/Displays	7.5%	$30-100 per display

The bigger picture: According to the Yale Budget Lab, U.S. tariffs cost the average American household $3,800 per year across all product categories. Electronics accounts for an estimated $800-1,200/year of that total.

Which Electronics Products Are Most Affected?

Smartphones

Medium impact

15%

tariff rate

This adds $150-200 per phone to the price you pay.

Laptops

High impact

25%

tariff rate

This adds $200-400 per laptop to the price you pay.

Tablets

Medium impact

15%

tariff rate

This adds $75-150 per tablet to the price you pay.

Headphones/Earbuds

High impact

25%

tariff rate

This adds $25-75 per pair to the price you pay.

Monitors/Displays

Low impact

7.5%

tariff rate

This adds $30-100 per display to the price you pay.

Where Does Electronics Come From?

Tariff rates vary by country of origin. Here are the top countries exporting electronics to the United States.

1China

2Vietnam

3South Korea

4Taiwan

5Japan

China faces the highest tariff rates (up to 145% on some goods) due to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs. Other countries face varying rates under IEEPA “reciprocal” tariffs.

Can You Get This Money Back?

For Importers

CAPE Tariff Refund Recovery

If you import electronics, your entries may qualify for refund through the CBP CAPE program. Tariffi prepares your declaration data; your licensed customs broker partner files it.

Start your claim

For Consumers

B2B2C Refund Distribution

Individual consumers can't file CAPE declarations directly, but Tariffi's distribution program connects you with importers recovering refunds — so a portion of those savings can flow back to you.

Calculate your impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my new laptop cost more this year?: Laptops imported from China face a 25% tariff under Section 301. On a $1,200 laptop, that's $300 in tariff costs that manufacturers pass to consumers through higher retail prices.
Are Apple products affected by tariffs?: Yes. While some Apple products received temporary exclusions, most consumer electronics including iPhones, MacBooks, AirPods, and iPads are subject to IEEPA or Section 301 tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% depending on the product and country of manufacture.
Can I get a refund on electronics tariffs?: If you're an importer, your entries may qualify for CAPE Phase 1 refund recovery. Consumers can benefit through Tariffi's B2B2C distribution program, which channels recovered tariff refunds back to end buyers.
Which electronics have the highest tariffs?: Laptops, desktop computers, and audio equipment from China face the highest rates at 25%. Smartphones and tablets are typically at 15%, while some display and component imports are at 7.5%.

Related resources

All tariff rates by product & country — browse tariff impacts across all categories
Tariff recovery by industry — refund pools for 30+ import sectors
IEEPA & Section 301 refund guides — step-by-step recovery guides
Tariff impact calculator — estimate your overpayment and potential refund

Calculate your tariff impact on electronics

See exactly how much tariffs add to the electronics you import or buy — and how much you could recover.

Calculate Your Tariff Impact

Questions? support@tariffi.io