Consumer Technology Association launches Trade Week in Washington, DC; data shows potential US$123B drop in consumer purchasing power if proposed technology tariffs take effect

Today the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® is launching Trade Week. This first-ever Trade Week will bring CTA members to Washington, DC to share their stories on the effects of ongoing tariffs with members of Congress and the Administration. Plus, CTA will release updated data and insights and kickoff an omni-channel ad campaign.

Revised data now shows Administration tariff actions may increase prices on specific popular consumer technology products. Drawing on data from Trade Partnership Worldwide LLC, the updated analysis suggests that American consumers face a potential drop in purchasing power of up to $123 billion annually if current and announced new tariffs take effect and are fully passed through to retail prices on ten everyday technology products.

This update builds on earlier research from January 2025 and September 2024 to reflect recent actions by the Administration, including baseline tariffs of 10% on all imports and additional proposed tariffs ranging from 11% to 50% on trading partners.

Technology prices could rise on:

• Video game consoles: ▲ 69% 

• Laptops and tablets: ▲ 34% 

• Monitors: ▲ 32% 

• Smartphones: ▲ 31% 

“Tariffs are taxes paid by Americans,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA. “Higher tariffs don’t just affect businesses, startups and founders—they’re a pocketbook issue for American families, potentially raising the cost of the tech Americans love and rely on daily. While this Administration is rightly focused on jobs, data shows these tariffs are more likely to hurt industry and add to inflation, rather than help Main Street America thrive.”

The updated estimates reflect a scenario in which the current 10% baseline tariffs remain in effect and suspended “reciprocal tariffs” which are stacked on top of existing Section 301 and International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on July 9, 2025, resume after a 90-day pause. Other Section 232 investigations into semiconductors, electronics, copper, and critical minerals could further increase import costs for technology products and manufacturing inputs.

Insights from the updated analysis include:

• Consumer purchasing power could decline by as much as $123 billion per year, depending on how tariffs are implemented and how supply chains respond. 

• Estimated economic losses could reach as much as $69 billion annually, even after accounting for potential reshoring and new domestic production. 

• For every $1 in gains to domestic producers, consumers may lose up to $16 in spending power.

“These new figures show sweeping tariff policies could increase consumer costs and hurt the broader U.S. economy,” said Ed Brzytwa, Vice President, International Trade, CTA. “We encourage policymakers to engage with industry and consumers to ensure tariffs and trade measures are targeted, effective, and economically sound.”

CTA is committed to promoting its Innovation AgendaThe CTA Innovation Agenda: Policies to Maintain U.S. Leadership in Global Technology Technology innovation powers America’s global leadership—driving our economy, securing our nation, and improving the lives of millions. To maintain that legacy and meet the challenge of an increasingly complex world, we must craft smart and strategic laws, empower innovators, and remove barriers to creativity. The policies outlined below support America’s vibrant innovation ecosystem, unleashing the next wave of breakthroughs. AM Radio – We oppose mandates requiring AM radio in all new cars. These mandates will stifle innovation, impose unnecessary costs on automakers, increase prices for consumers, and undermine the American companies leading electric vehicle development. Artificial Intelligence – We support a national AI regulatory framework that is technology neutral, risk-based, and accounts for existing laws and regulations. Given rapid AI development, policymakers should avoid excessive regulation that would hinder innovation, hurt small businesses and startups, and make it harder for consumers to use life-changing technology. Autonomous Vehicles – We urge Congress to adopt a federal framework for nationwide testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs), making our roads safer and providing new mobility options for seniors and people with disabilities. The current state-by-state approach to AV regulation threatens America’s global mobility leadership. Connectivity – We encourage efforts to build 5G and 6G infrastructure and expand broadband, so Americans have access to fast and reliable internet. We encourage more efficient use and increased access to licensed and unlicensed spectrum to facilitate next-gen wireless technology and urge Congress to restore spectrum auction authority to the FCC. Cybersecurity – We support industry-driven standards that provide consistency and clarity for consumers and innovators. With more connected devices, implementation of the FCC’s new U.S. Cyber Trust Mark is positive step. We support a light-touch, voluntary approach that fosters best practices to secure the devices Americans love and rely on. Digital Assets – We urge development of a comprehensive and transparent regulatory framework for digital assets. This will promote American financial innovation leadership, as well as protect the many Americans who invest in digital assets. Digital Health – We promote efforts to expand access to telehealth and other digital health tools, which will improve health outcomes, make health care more accessible, and reduce costs for Americans. We urge policymakers to remove outdated regulations that limit the use of digital health tools. Internet Speech – We oppose efforts to weaken Section 230 that would limit free speech online and take away internet platforms’ ability to moderate content without fear of lawsuits. Immigration – We support immigration system reforms that would prioritize high-skilled immigration and ensure innovative American businesses have access to the talent they need to compete globally. Patent Reform – We support efforts to crack down on ‘patent trolls’ and bad actors who use the U.S. patent system as a platform for shakedowns and baseless legal claims. We support patent litigation transparency and loser-pays rules, and oppose efforts to weaken the PTO’s Patent Trial Appeals Board process. Privacy – We support a comprehensive and preemptive federal data privacy bill that protects Americans and promotes innovation, without incentivizing frivolous lawsuits. Trade – We oppose tariffs and other barriers to trade that disrupt supply chains and impose inflationary taxes on American businesses and consumers. We encourage strengthening relationships and negotiating free trade agreements with allies and partners to reduce trade costs, eliminate barriers to digital trade, and ensure the U.S. remains competitive in global markets. About Consumer Technology Association: As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA® is the tech sector. Our members Learn More: CTA.tech/Advocacy are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech., working with stakeholders and decision-makers to inform trade policy that balances national interests with consumer affordability and economic growth. Trade Week is a members only event. If you would like to become a CTA member visit: https://www.cta.tech/membership.