Pegatron Warns of Empty U.S. Store Shelves Amid Trade Tensions and Tariffs

April 29, 2025
Pegatron Warns of Empty U.S. Store Shelves Amid Trade Tensions and Tariffs
  • Higher electronics prices due to tariffs could significantly impact U.S. consumers, particularly lower-income households that are already facing price sensitivity.

  • The company's chairman, T.H. Tung, predicts that within two months, U.S. electronics stores could resemble those in developing countries, as companies hesitate to commit to long-term plans amid tariff uncertainties.

  • Despite these challenges, Pegatron intends to uphold its long-term manufacturing strategies and will not make immediate price adjustments in response to the tariffs.

  • Many U.S. importers are adopting a cautious 'wait-and-see' strategy instead of stockpiling products, fearing sudden policy changes that could lead to logistical chaos.

  • While Apple is shifting manufacturing to India where tariffs are lower, there remains a risk of an additional 26% tariff on imports from India if a trade deal is not reached by mid-2025.

  • The economic pressure from these tariffs has led to calls for the White House to consider making the tariff pause permanent, as uncertainty continues to affect importers.

  • The Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese products have escalated significantly, starting at 10% and reaching as high as 145%, creating substantial supply chain uncertainties.

  • Pegatron, a key supplier for Apple, has issued a warning that U.S. consumers may soon encounter empty store shelves due to ongoing trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

  • In an effort to reduce reliance on China, Apple is diversifying its manufacturing by increasing production capabilities in India, aiming to source U.S.-bound devices by the end of 2026.

  • Tung emphasized that the tariffs are disrupting global supply chains, forcing companies to reevaluate their sourcing and inventory strategies, while Pegatron continues its expansion efforts.

  • In response to trade uncertainties, companies like Foxconn are hoarding components or delaying product launches, while U.S. retailers are stockpiling inventory to mitigate potential disruptions.

  • Apple CEO Tim Cook has previously communicated with government officials about how tariffs could raise iPhone prices, which led to temporary exemptions for certain Apple products.

Summary based on 8 sources


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