Sales of desktops and laptops in North America jumped sharply in April, driven by mounting consumer and business concerns over looming U.S. tariffs on electronics imported from China, according to industry analysts and retail data. The spike comes as the Biden administration weighs a proposed 15–20% levy on computers and components manufactured overseas, a move aimed at boosting domestic production but one that could significantly raise prices for consumers.
“We’re seeing a classic ‘buy now before it’s too late’ response,” said Linda Carter, a tech market analyst at IDC. “Both individuals and corporations are making purchases earlier than planned to avoid paying hundreds more per device later this year.” Retailers like Best Buy, Dell, and Amazon reported a 34% year-over-year increase in desktop sales and a 28% rise in laptops in the first three weeks of April, with many attributing the demand to tariff-related anxiety.
The buying frenzy aligns with broader trends in U.S. consumer behavior. Recent data from the Commerce Department shows consumer spending surged in March even as inflation cooled to its lowest level since 2021, suggesting households are prioritizing big-ticket purchases amid economic uncertainty. Electronics, in particular, have benefited from this shift, with discounts and financing deals further fueling the rush.
According to a preliminary report by IDC, desktop sales—which had lagged behind laptops for years due to mobile trends—are now outpacing them in commercial segments. Small businesses and schools are snapping up stationary PCs for remote workstations, while gamers and content creators are investing in high-performance rigs. “This is a rare moment where desktops are stealing the spotlight,” said IDC researcher Mark Torres. “Their upgradability and longer lifespan make them a safer hedge against future price hikes.”
Retailers, meanwhile, are scrambling to keep inventory in stock. “We’ve doubled our orders for pre-built systems,” said Rachel Nguyen, a spokesperson for Micro Center. “Even refurbished models are selling faster than we can refurbish them.” Some companies, like HP and Lenovo, have begun offering “tariff protection” guarantees, promising refunds if prices don’t rise within six months.
Yet analysts caution that the surge may be short-lived. If tariffs take effect, the average cost of a laptop could climb by 300, potentially stifling demand later in 2025. Lower-income households and budget-conscious buyers may delay upgrades, while businesses could extend device lifecycles to cut costs. “This isn’t a demand boom—it’s demand pulled forward,” Carter noted. “The real test will be how the market adapts once tariffs hit.”
As lawmakers debate the policy’s final details, one thing is clear: for now, North American consumers and businesses are voting with their wallets—and rushing to checkout.
