Dell Technologies, HP, Microsoft and Intel opposed U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to include laptop computers and tablets among the Chinese goods targeted for tariffs, Reuters reported.
Dell, HP and Microsoft account for 52 percent of the notebooks and detachable tablets sold in the United States. The technology majors on Wednesday said that the proposed tariffs would increase the cost of laptops in the country hurting consumers and the electronics industry.
Implementing the proposed tariffs would increase U.S. prices for laptops and tablets by at least 19 percent, or around $120 for the average retail price of a laptop, the companies said, citing a recent study by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
“A price increase of that magnitude may even put laptop devices entirely out of reach for our most cost-conscious consumers,” the companies said.
Microsoft, along with video game makers Nintendo of America and Sony Interactive Entertainment said the tariffs on video game consoles could stifle innovation, hurt consumers and put thousands of jobs at risk.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) kicked off seven days of testimony from U.S. retailers, manufacturers and other businesses about Trump’s plan to hit another $300 billion worth of Chinese goods with tariffs.
The hearings will end on June 25 and the tariffs will not come into effect until after July 2, when a seven-day final rebuttal comment period ends.
