President Trump announced tariffs as high as 25 percent on goods imported from Canada, China, and Mexico over the weekend. But some of the biggest names in tech and gaming – who could be significantly impacted by the tariffs – have stayed quiet about them.
Shortly after the tariffs were announced, The Verge reached out to many tech companies requesting comment, and only Google and Microsoft replied to decline to comment. This morning, I sent emails to Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Nintendo, Samsung, and Sony, but have not received comments back. I also emailed Nvidia, and spokesperson Stephanie Matthew declined to comment.
The tariffs against Canada and China are set to go into effect on Tuesday. Trump agreed to a one-month pause on the Mexico tariffs on Monday.
While the tech companies haven’t commented, industry groups have weighed in. Information Technology Industry Council president and CEO Jason Oxman says, “…we urge the Trump Administration to aim for clear, constructive outcomes in its negotiations with foreign governments, avoid trade restrictions and weakened North American economic ties to the extent possible, and roll back the tariffs when outcomes are achieved.”
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), in a statement given to Kotaku and The Verge, says that “tariffs on video game devices and related products would impact Americans of all ages across the country.” The group also urges the Trump administration to “consult with the private sector in a transparent process to avoid causing significant harm to everyday Americans.”
