CNET Survey: Fears of raising customs tariffs driving Americans to buy technology sooner

President Donald Trump imposed Several new tariffs This year, with more signed on Wednesday. Most adults in the United States are not waiting to feel the full effects of high -tariff prices. Instead, they purchase large ticket elements such as Tech Now, a new CNET poll is found.
In the past two months, the administration has made 20 % of the customs tariffs on imports from China, a step that already exceeds prices on imported technology such as LED computersand TV devices and Game systems. When performing the definitions, the importer pays the tax. This high cost is often recovered by increasing the prices of products.

He said that the US -based companies are to pay 10 % to get products from abroad “if there is a 10 % tariff on smartphones, this means that the US -based companies are headquarters Patty BrennanApproved financial scheme. “This must come an additional 10 % from a place, and I think most companies will transfer them to the consumer – which they have done in the past.”

As prices are ready to rise, some shoppers feel anxious and they made purchases to apply for potential prices. The CNET poll found that more than 33 % of the United States adults feel pressure on the purchase in anticipation of the raising of tariffs. Almost one in every five adults (17 %) (17 %) has purchased before increasing the potential cost that could come.

Here is how the latest tariff news affects adults Buy customs Tips on getting the best technology deal in the meantime.

Young generations feel more pressure to perform purchases now

Compared to Gen X and Boomers, young generations feel more pressure: 48 % of Gen Zers and 45 % of the millennial generation said they feel pressure to make purchases to avoid high tariff prices.

But more than 60 % of Gen X and Boamers did not feel this same pressure to make purchases. Osha HaliA professor at Barton Business College at Witchita State University said that young generations may be more likely to pressure peer or Fear of loss Of the older generations.

Most American adults adjust their budgets to prepare to raise potential prices

Most of us adults make (or plan to make it) Changes in their budgets To prepare for tariff price changes. Consumers also reduce Non -basic spendingLike eating outside and traveling (40 %), and providing more of each salary (19 %).

The threat of high tariff prices is the pressure on shoppers to buy large ticket technology

Most shoppers who are concerned about the customs tariff that leads the cost of technical products either planned to buy before the definitions or bought electronics late last year or early this year. Smartphones and laptops are at the top of that list.

In numbers, 48 ​​% of adults plan to buy or have already bought SmartphonesAnd 42 % did the same LED computers. Other artistic elements include shoppers interested in Home appliancesand TV devices and Smart home devices.

Some adults in the United States are delaying larger purchases at the present time

Experts do not surprise that some adults in the United States delay large purchases more than $ 500 (27 %). Almost one in every five (18 %) that plans to make large purchases will benefit from the main sales throughout the year, which may serve as large money if customs duties raise prices. In addition, the poll found that 11 % of the United States’ adults have already performed purchases before definitions late last year and earlier this year to avoid high prices.

If you are worried about high prices and have money already, it may be better to buy items that you are planning now.

“If you think it will be more expensive in the future, it would be logical to move forward and buy now. But just as the epidemic showed us the restrictions of supply and demand, if everyone is buying it now, the element becomes more expensive anyway,” said Kun.

If you need to make a large purchase or actually plan, you can still save some money. CON recommends comparing prices for the best deal. The small additional minutes of retail offers may provide you with a few hundred dollars.

Should you buy a new technology now or wait?

It is the big question that everyone wants to answer-is it better to spend money on electronics now to avoid the prices of the prices resulting from the customs tariff?

If you already have money for purchase, then shopping now or during an upcoming shopping event, such as selling the upcoming Amazon, can help you save money and provide peace of mind. But if you don’t have the money that has already been provided, experts do not recommend financing it.

Brennan agreed, adding that if you have money to buy a new electronic or technology, then move to it – just make sure you really need it.

“Do not buy it in anticipation of the prices that rise, because we do not know what the end result is,” Brennan said.

Above all, experts say to make sure you are shopping to find the best deal on technology.

“You may spend an additional 15 to 20 minutes to search the Internet, but you eventually save a few hundred dollars,” said Kun. “He certainly deserves time to find the best deal.”

Tips for saving money on technology

Shopping new electronics revolves around timing and know expert strategies to find the best deals. I have asked CNET experts about the best deals on laptops, televisions and smartphones to see when it is better to buy and what we need to know about the prices of the latest models issued this year.

When is low -price laptops registered?

Whether you are buying a new laptop now or wait for your needs and budget, Josh GoldmanEditor and one of the CNET laptops.

“The prices will certainly not improve if the United States is involved in a commercial war, so if someone needs a new laptop and can buy it now, I will not wait and see,” Goldman said. “With Easter and Spring sales, fathers and graduates, on the day of anniversary and sales of return to school, we go to the best time to buy a new laptop reduced outside Black Friday.”

If you do not have enough money reserved to buy a new laptop, but you need one, recommend Goldman Looking for one renewed At a reduced price – it should not be affected by definitions. Apple, Best Buy, Backmark and Ebay recommend renewing deals on laptops used with guarantees.

It is time to buy TV models last year

If you are on the market for a new TV, David KatzamiaThe great editor -in -chief and CNET TV references are recommended to purchase last year’s model now. You will find TVs from 2024 with the lowest price point because retailers get rid of the stock of last year.

Katzmaier said that with the appearance of 2025 TVs, the prices expected that the prices will remain high on the latest models to leave. But if you do not need a TV, there is no need to rush to a purchase.

“TVs continue for a long time, and if you don’t need to buy one now my advice is to wait until you do it,” Katzmee said. “Yes, tariffs can pay prices up later in the year, but whether they will affect television prices about sales times – Think of Black Friday and then in November and December – is an open question.”

There are smart phone deals that exist, but it is not easy to find

Before you buy a new phone, take a step to evaluate whether you need one or not, Patrick HollandCNET editor and smartphone references. Most smartphones usually last between three to five years before they start facing problems. But you may be able to fix some of these devices problems with cheaper than getting a new phone.

Smartphones usually last for a few years and we may not buy one until we really need to replace. So it may be difficult to know the time to buy a new phone – even without a tariff.

How much is the next round of popularity Smartphoneslike iPhone 17 Or, the cost of Google Pixel 10 will not be announced until later this year, but these prices are not volatile as daily necessities such as groceries, the Netherlands said.

The Netherlands said: “If your battery does not keep charging as it was usual, but everything else on your phone will be much easier and cheaper replacing the battery than buying a completely new phone – definitions or not.”

If you need a new phone, look for deals. Some retailers and transportation companies offer commercial offers to replace your old phone to get a discount on the new phone. However, Holland indicated that if you are dependent on your phone holder to finance your smartphone upgrade, it may make it more difficult to find a deal.

methodology

All numbers, unless otherwise, from Yougov PLC. The sample size was a total of 2,305 adults. Field work was conducted from 3 to 5 March 2025. The online survey was conducted. The numbers have been weight and all American adults (over 18 years old) represent.