Trade and Tariffs
International trade is vital to the consumer technology sector. Global supply chains are intricate and often take decades to develop. Unfair trade practices should be addressed at the World Trade Organization and with our global allies. Opening global markets, not closing them, spurs economic competitiveness.
Tariffs are Taxes
President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs of at least 10%, with limited exemptions. This is bad news for nearly every product-driven industry and threatens real harm to American consumers, businesses, and the broader economy. It invites retaliation from trading partners and undermines the U.S. as a predictable, reliable destination for investment.
CTA is already taking action — advocating on Capitol Hill and helping our members understand and adjust to this new landscape.
Congress and the White House must consider the impact of tariffs and trade barriers to American jobs and companies. We stand ready to work with Congress and the Administration towards fair and sustainable trade policies.
American trade policies should:
- Focus on international market access
- Remove tariff and non-tariff barriers for goods, services, investments, and data
- Avoid using government intervention to force localization of production, data, and services
- Have a balanced approach to protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights
- Strengthen relationships with our key trading partners and leverage free trade agreements
How have tariffs impacted you or your business?
Tariffs harm American businesses and consumers from higher prices to unemployment.
Get Involved
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CTA Trade Week
CTA recently held its inaugural Trade Week — a premier gathering designed to connect industry leaders, policymakers, and trade experts to discuss the future of global trade and its impact on technology and business.
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Share Your Story
Tariffs harm American businesses and consumers from higher prices to unemployment. Share your story with us today.
CTA's Trade Watchers newsletter has been providing members with timely, in-depth insights on trade and supply chain matters for over three years. Sign up today.
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Deena Ghazarian, Founder and CEO, Austere
It's frustrating I have to focus on survival rather than growing my business.
Join our community of innovators and shape the future of technology.
Resources
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Participate
Join the Trade Policy Working Group
The Trade Policy Working Group updates our members on domestic and global trade news, and advocates for their interests on Capitol Hill.
Join the Trade Policy Working Group
The Trade Policy Working Group updates our members on domestic and global trade news, and advocates for their interests on Capitol Hill.
Unpacking "Liberation Day"
The sweeping new tariff plan imposes a blanket 10% duty on all imported goods and higher “reciprocal tariffs” on imports from 60 countries.
Why it Matters
- Supply chain disruption: Many U.S. tech firms assemble devices using parts sourced from multiple countries — now all subject to new duties.
- Rising consumer prices: Laptops, smartphones, vehicle components and more may see price hikes as companies pass on increased costs.
- Innovation risk: Smaller startups and hardware firms could face barriers to entry due to rising costs and limited access to global parts.
- Retaliation watch: Other countries will likely impose countermeasures, hurting U.S. tech exports.
CTA Thought Leaders
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Ed Brzytwa
Vice President, International Trade, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
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Gary Shapiro
CEO and Vice Chair, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
Additional Resources
Get in Touch
If you are interested in learning more about CTA membership or trade working groups, would like to share your tariff impact story or have a media request, please contact us.