On April 2, 2025, US President Trump announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs on its global trade partners. In addition to a uniform base tariff of 10% that took effect on April 3, additional rates were applied to specific countries starting April 9. China's existing 20% tariff was raised to 54%, while Vietnam and Thailand, as the two main countries for notebook production outside of China, faced tariffs of 46% and 36%, respectively, significantly reducing their tax avoidance advantages.
Since most notebooks shipped to the US come from these three countries, the high tariffs could lead to losses, prompting many notebook brands to suspend shipments to the US and increase inventory levels in distribution channels ahead of April 9.
However, just hours after the reciprocal tariffs went into effect, Trump announced a delay in imposing tariffs on countries that had not retaliated, reverting them back to 0%. For China, which maintained a tougher stance, tariffs were continuously increased to 125%. In retaliation, China imposed an 84% tariff on US goods.
US is a major market with over 80% NBs shipped by top-4 brands
Made-in-China notebooks subject to 20% tariff since early March
All NB production hubs facing over 30% tariffs except Mexico
Chart 3: Time table of Trump tariff and rate on imported notebooks as of April 9
Trump halted tariffs for 90 days, raising that on China to 125%
US, Chinese, Taiwanese brands are taking different approaches
Thailand, Vietnam volumes to US to soar, China volumes shift to non-US
Chart 9: Summary of Trump tariffs' influence on notebook industry
