The impact of global trade wars is expected to lead to an increase in phone prices.

26.04.2025 10:01

Due to the effects of global trade wars, U.S. businesses are preparing to implement a significant increase in phone prices. It has been reported that major phone operators may pass on the high costs of smartphones to consumers.

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While the easing of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump has partially relieved phone manufacturers, major telecom operators seem ready to pass the high costs of smartphones onto consumers.

Earlier this month, Trump exempted smartphones and some other electronic devices from reciprocal tariffs, but did not touch the 20% fentanyl tariff imposed on China. This exemption may be temporary and could keep alive the possibility of a 145% tariff on iPhones produced in China.

THE PRICE OF THE IPHONE 15 WILL RISE FROM $699 TO $839

The 20% fentanyl tariff imposed on China could soon put consumers in a difficult position if a trade agreement cannot be reached between the two superpowers. According to an analysis by Bloomberg and technology publication CNET, the price of the iPhone 15 is set to rise from $699 to $839. The iPhone 16 will increase from $799 to $959. Here’s what major telecom operators said this week about the potential tariff-related price increases on consumers as they report their earnings.

Verizon (VZ) CEO Hans Vestberg: Overall, if the tariff is going to be as high as it is said to be on phones, we do not plan to accommodate that in our work. It will not be possible. Therefore, we will continue to be financially disciplined in all our promotions, but we will not accommodate the enormous increase in tariffs on devices. This will ultimately hit the consumer in the market. However, it is still too early to say that. We do not know where the tariff is going.

AT&T (T) CEO John Stankey: If tariffs become the next driving force behind the increase in unit costs of phones, I think we will have to play the same game, which means first understanding what the customer needs and then making some adjustments on how we will support them in that process. However, this process will be about fitting the cost into a business model that we can accommodate to largely pass on to the end user and ultimately provide the right level of return in our business. And I think we have shown over time that we have done this quite effectively.

T-Mobile (TMUS) CEO Mike Sievert: Tariffs are unpredictable at this point. Clearly, we are watching closely. If they come and become significant in some way, the customer will have to bear the cost. So, our model is not ready for something like that. I think smartphone prices will rise, people will slow down their smartphone purchases, and upgrade rates will decelerate. Those will be the dynamics that should be in place. We do not see that happening yet.