Tech tariffs are here and they’re already pushing up hardware prices. Here’s what to do before your budget takes the hit.
Am I the only one getting these nonstop alerts?
Every time I check my phone, it’s some variation of: Tariffs are going up. Buy this. Stock up on that. It’s giving flashbacks to the toilet paper chaos of early COVID. Back then it was paper goods. Now? It’s IT hardware.
I knew things were shifting, but I wanted to sort through the noise and figure out what was actually going to hit the budget. So I did some digging—and it turns out, tech really is one of the places it's going to sting.
If your 2025 budget includes any kind of infrastructure project, device refresh, or network expansion, you’re probably about to feel the ripple effect. Hard.
Let’s walk through what’s happening, what tech is already being hit, and what
you can still do to get ahead of it.
Tech Tariffs in 2025: What’s Really Happening
What’s at Risk: Hardware Pricing and Infrastructure Projects
If you’ve gotten a quote for a firewall, switch, or access point lately, and thought wait… that seems higher you’re not imagining it.
What we’re seeing now:
- 15–40% price jumps on common networking gear
- Resellers passing on costs with little to no heads-up
- Vendors tightening supply or shifting models to protect margins
Let’s say you’ve earmarked $100K for a network refresh or project buildout. With technology import tariffs in full effect, that same scope might now cost $115K, $130K—or more. Multiply that across multiple departments or client projects, and the math gets ugly fast.
IT Budgeting Strategies That Still Work (Even Now)
This isn’t something you can wish away. But it’s not a lost cause either.
Here are five moves we’re helping clients make now before the next spike.
1. Accelerate Purchases You Were Already Planning
If you know you’ll need gear in Q3 or Q4, consider pulling the trigger now. Vendors are already adjusting pricing and availability. Don’t wait for the next wave of increases.
2. Stress-Test Your 2025 Numbers
Take your hardware line items and bump them by 25–30%. If that throws your budget out of balance, build in contingencies or rethink your phasing. It’s better to plan for overage than to scramble later.
3. Consider Tariff-Free Alternatives
Not all vendors are equally exposed. Some manufacture in countries that aren't affected by these tariffs. Others are reshuffling supply chains. Now’s the time to ask better questions about where your gear is coming from.
4. Look at NaaS or Lease Models
If unpredictable CapEx is going to wreck your planning, Network-as-a-Service models can help flatten the curve. Monthly fees, no surprise markups, and predictable refresh cycles are worth a look especially if you manage multiple locations.
5. Lean on a Partner Who’s Watching the Fine Print
Your job is to grow the business, not monitor tariff law. That’s where we come in. At Decypher, we’re tracking this stuff in real time adjusting sourcing strategies, flagging risks early, and helping clients stay ahead of the curve.
So, What Now?
The short version? This isn’t hype. It’s happening.
Tariffs are already driving up hardware pricing in 2025, and if your budget doesn’t reflect that, you’re working with outdated numbers. But with a few smart moves, you can still protect your margins, your timeline, and your sanity.
Want help reviewing your plans or re-scoping a project based on the latest tariff impacts? Get in touch with our team we’ll walk you through it, and help you buy smart
