NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — As we reported on the extensive tariffs recently implemented under the Trump administration, our focus was on potential effects on technology pricing. Shares of Apple experienced a notable decline, dropping almost 9% soon after the markets opened on Thursday.
Western Mass News collected varied responses from both computer technicians and customers about possible price hikes for items such as iPhones and MacBooks.
"There is currently significant uncertainty in the market. We're really struggling to obtain specific items, particularly some MacBooks and iPads," said Jackson Howard, a repair technician at Yes Computers.
Yes Computers in Northampton is finding it challenging to cope with the fluctuating economy and the constant imposition of tariffs. According to Howard, speaking to Western Mass News, these price increases are expected to persist.
"We anticipate prices increasing over the next few weeks due to the tariffs and the current market instability," he stated.
The Council on Foreign Relations states that nearly all iPhones are still produced in China. Tyler Dowley, who serves as the operations manager at Yes Computers, agrees with this statement.
"Most likely around 90% comes from China," he asserted.
However, Dowley suggests that Apple might not experience a price hike after all, so it’s not entirely bad news.
“Additionally, we've learned that Apple is putting money into production within the United States, which might assist in keeping expenses lower too.”
Nevertheless, Dowley and Howard suggest that if you're thinking about making that significant tech buy in the near future, you should do it sooner rather than later.
"I recommend to everyone to purchase these items as long as they're available and before tariffs significantly affect their prices," he stressed.
I believe that would be quite clear," Dowley stressed. "To retain employees and uphold the volume of business they aim to maintain, they would likely need to raise their prices. This ultimately affects the consumers.
We spoke with one shopper who plans to purchase an Apple product in the next few weeks but is displeased with the ongoing price hikes.
"Imposing tariffs is most likely just a means for Trump and his team to manipulate the markets," according to customer John Pierce.
Dowley and Howard forecast that the most significant rise will occur with iPads and MacBooks. Thus, according to these experts, purchasing them should ideally happen sooner rather than later; otherwise, expect a bigger hit to your finances.