The costliest parts of PCs typically include CPUs, graphics cards, and motherboards; hence, the tech sector is carefully monitoring how these new tariffs might impact their pricing. Currently, GPUs seem to be excluded from the recent import charges introduced by the Trump administration. However, should the government opt to levy taxes on semiconductor imports later, this could alter the landscape significantly, according to recent news reports. PCMag When it comes to graphics cards, the scenario changes.
The paper outlining the most recent U.S. import duties Executive Order 14257 ) covers multiple items and includes Annex II, which details several products currently exempted from extra import duties. Regarding semiconductors, this annex encompasses processors, controllers, amplifiers, memory devices, and an ‘other’ category. Nonetheless, 'graphics processing units' (GCU codes) are notably absent from this list. 8473.30.1180 And 84733011) or comparable items that represent real graphics cards or GPU accelerators.
In 2018, the Trump administration imposed a 25% duty on several types of Chinese-manufactured electronic components such as graphics cards, motherboards, solid-state drives (SSDs), and other products featuring printed circuit boards. This tariff was repeatedly deferred under both the Trump presidency and during Joe Biden’s tenure. Nonetheless, Executive Order 14257, signed into effect on April 2, 2025, overrides earlier tariffs and their provisional waivers, introducing an updated system for determining U.S. import taxes.
According to PCMag, referencing the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), Executive Order 14257 prohibits the importation of products included in the most recent list. United States regulations regarding aluminum imports, This refers to aluminum and derived aluminum products being classified under new 25% tariff increases.
Unfortunately, the appropriate document does not include codes 8473.30.1180 and 84733011, which pertain to graphics cards and GPU accelerators (like H100, B200, etc.). Rather, it includes 8473.30.2000 (steel brackets originating from China, Taiwan, or Singapore) and 8473.30.5100 (components and parts for machinery of heading) 8471 , these include PC components ranging from keyboards to hard disk drives (HDD) for optical storage, although it appears that the products are imported Utilize the code for importing the chassis. Therefore, we can only assume that PC cases are now subjected to a 25% import tariff.
Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding graphics cards and motherboards remain unclear. In technical terms, GPUs, GPU modules, and motherboards made in Taiwan currently face a 10% import tariff when brought into the U.S.
Currently, graphics processing units can be classified as 'processors,' allowing them to enter the U.S. tariff-free before being attached to a suitable printed circuit board domestically to assemble a graphics card. Additionally, this circuit board could originate abroad and qualify for the ‘unfinished logic board’ classification. A comparable approach applies to motherboards since processors, controllers (which technically include chipsets) and amplifiers have yet to face import duties.
Hence, in theory the makers of graphics cards, GPU modules, motherboards, and similar devices can ship actual GPUs and processors/chipsets to the U.S. without paying import duties (for now) along with half-finished logic boards (but paying an import tariff), then assemble actual products in the U.S. This of course is more costly for them than to produce actual goods in China or Taiwan.
At present, manufacturers of graphics cards and developers of GPUs have not made any statements regarding this issue and are awaiting further developments. However, it seems likely that the cost of graphics cards will increase soon. The uncertainty lies in determining the extent of this price hike.
Yesterday's tariff announcement has been under close observation by us," stated an AMD representative to us last week. "Even though semiconductors aren’t subject to these reciprocal tariffs, we are examining the specifics along with potential effects on our extensive network of customers and partners. Updates will be shared when necessary based on further insights gained.
Enjoying this article? To read more stories like this, follow us on MSN by tapping the +Follow button at the top of this page.