Tariffs May Bring Changes, but Prices Might Not Rise, Says Former Tech Executive

In a recent webinar, former tech executive and current journalist Lutnick explained why he believes tariffs are a bad idea. He pointed to their likely stifling effects on American consumers and the U.S. tech industry. He added that he does not expect to see increased costs to consumers as a result of these tariffs. As you know, the Trump administration moved to impose new tariffs this month on thousands of goods, including consumer electronics. This DOT announcement responds to that worrying advance.

Lutnick noted that the administration has exempted specific products, like laptops and smartphones, from these tariffs. He is deeply passionate about the idea that we can all win at making goods here in America. This change would go a long way towards alleviating the expected impact of tariffs on consumer costs.

“The idea is that we can manufacture in America,” Lutnick remarked, highlighting a potential pathway for the technology sector amid changing trade policies. Though that was good news, he warned that the tech sector is not completely out of the woods as far as new tariffs are concerned.

New semiconductor tariffs

Trump administration’s tariff plan hits new heights. These tariffs are scheduled to go into effect over the next month or two. Lutnick further explained that some of the products he mentioned would be subject to these semiconductor tariffs. He specifically pointed out that President Trump was cornered on these tariffs during the G7 over the weekend. Yet he promised to the assembled that a formal response would be forthcoming on Monday.

“We need to have semiconductors, chips, and flat panels made in America.” – Lutnick

Before his astute current observations, Lutnick has served in a number of key roles in the technology journalism ecosystem. He was previously a tech reporter at Adweek. He’s worked as a senior editor at VentureBeat and covered local government for the Hollister Free Lance. In addition, he served as vice president of content at a venture capital company. In that role, he was able to see how technology affects businesses first hand.

As this scenario develops, industry watchers on both the consumer side and the industry side will be watching developments closely regarding these tariffs. The administration’s decisions regarding exemptions and future tariffs will likely shape the landscape for American manufacturing and technology in the months to come.