UPDATED as of March 13, 2025 – The U.S. has recently rolled out a new wave of tariffs that could have far-reaching consequences for consumers and businesses alike. While tariffs are often viewed through the lens of global economics and politics, they can also hit close to home—affecting everything from the prices of smartphones and laptops to networking equipment like 4G/5G routers and antennas. Here’s what you need to know about these newly implemented tariffs, who ends up footing the bill, and how they could impact the availability and pricing of critical connectivity equipment.
What Is a Tariff?
In simple terms, a tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. The goal is typically to make imported goods more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers and businesses to buy domestically produced alternatives. For example, a 20% tariff on imported electronics from China means U.S. importers must pay an additional 20% on top of the product’s cost.
While tariffs can be a tool to protect domestic industries, they often result in higher prices for consumers. That’s because importers usually pass the additional costs down the line—eventually reaching the customer.
Which Tariffs Have Recently Taken Effect?
The recent round of U.S. tariffs, spearheaded by the Trump administration, includes a wide range of measures aimed at countries like China, Mexico, and Canada. Key tariffs that have gone into effect or are scheduled include:
- China: A 10% tariff on Chinese imports that increased to 20% as of March 4.
- Canada and Mexico: A general 25% tariff on most imports from these countries, although Canadian energy imports are taxed at a lower 10%. These tariffs were initially implemented on March 4 but delayed until April 2 for goods covered by the US-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement.
- Steel and Aluminum: A universal tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all foreign countries, including a 50% tariff on Canadian metals, is set to take effect on March 12.
- Future Tariffs: Additional duties on foreign cars, agricultural products, and imports from India are expected to roll out on April 2.
These new measures have already triggered retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico, further escalating trade tensions.
Who Pays for Tariffs?
Despite claims that foreign countries pay the tariffs, the reality is that U.S. importers—businesses that bring in goods from overseas—are the ones footing the bill. These companies must either absorb the higher costs (reducing their profit margins) or pass them on to consumers through price increases.
In industries where margins are thin and demand is strong—like electronics and telecommunications—companies often have little choice but to increase prices.
How Could This Impact 4G/5G Routers and Antennas?
Many 4G/5G routers and antennas are manufactured overseas, especially in countries like China and Mexico, which are now subject to higher U.S. tariffs. These devices rely on complex supply chains and imported components, making them particularly vulnerable to increased import taxes.
1. Price Increases
As tariffs raise the cost of importing these products, manufacturers and distributors are likely to adjust their pricing. Consumers and businesses may see higher prices on networking hardware, including cellular routers and antennas.
2. Limited Availability
The uncertainty around tariffs and potential trade retaliation can disrupt supply chains. Delays in manufacturing or shipping components may lead to stock shortages, making it harder to source certain models of 4G/5G routers and antennas. Vendors may also prioritize markets with fewer trade barriers, which could limit product availability in the U.S.
3. Shifts in Sourcing and Production
Some manufacturers may look to shift production to countries not currently impacted by U.S. tariffs. While this could be a long-term strategy to mitigate rising costs, it won’t offer immediate relief and could result in transitional delays or limited product ranges in the near future.
| Manufacturer | Manufacturing Locations | Impacted by Tariffs | Affected MSRP |
| Cradlepoint/ Ericsson | Taiwan, China, Cambodia | ?? | ?? |
| Digi | China, Taiwan, Mexico, United States, Slovakia, Germany, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Spain, Japan, Philippines | ?? | ?? |
| Inseego | Taiwan, Mexico | ?? | ?? |
| Peplink | China, Taiwan | ?? | ?? |
| Sierra Wireless/Semtech | Vietnam, Mexico, China, Canada | ?? | ?? |
| Teltonika | Lithuania | None Expected | TBD |
| MobileMark | United States | None Expected | TBD |
| Panorama | United Kingdom, Singapore | ?? | ?? |
| PCTel | United States, China, Sweden | None Expected | TBD |
| Poynting | China, Russia | ?? | ?? |
| Surecall | China, United States | ?? | ?? |
| Taoglas | Taiwan | ?? | ?? |
| WeBoost/ Wilson Electronics | China, United States | ?? | ?? |
Note: “??” indicates that the specific impact of tariffs on these manufacturers and their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) is currently uncertain.
What Can Consumers and Businesses Do?
If you’re in the market for networking equipment, here are a few practical tips to navigate the evolving situation:
- Act Sooner Rather Than Later: If you’re considering purchasing 4G/5G routers or antennas, buying now may help you avoid anticipated price hikes.
- Explore Domestic Brands: While tariffs aim to make American-made products more attractive, availability and pricing will vary. Some domestic brands may offer competitive solutions.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on tariff developments and trade negotiations. The landscape is constantly changing, and being informed will help you make timely decisions.
The Bottom Line on Tariffs, Routers and Antennas
The newly implemented U.S. tariffs are poised to increase prices across a wide range of consumer goods, including vital telecommunications equipment like 4G/5G routers and antennas. While some companies may temporarily absorb these costs, many are already signaling price hikes in the near future.
As connectivity becomes more critical than ever for businesses and individuals, understanding these market dynamics can help you plan ahead, control costs, and secure the equipment you need to stay connected.