The ongoing trade war between the USA and China have an impact at many levels and segments, and yes the PC industry. However, the PC industry has been given a partial exemption from import duties imposed by the United States on Chinese products. Products include graphics cards, chassis, and motherboards, and that saves a good 25%.

According to a United States Trade Representative, these exceptions were made at the request of US parties. Products that can only be obtained from China or for which the import can cause 'serious economic damage' to American industry are eligible for the exemption reports pc magazine.

"Other components getting a reprieve include "mouse input devices" valued over $70, "trackpad input units" valued at over $100, and power supply units that output more than 500 watts.

According to the US Trade Representative, the exemptions were made after requests from US stakeholders; if the affected import was available only from China, or the tariff was causing "severe economic harm" to industries or US interests, a temporary reprieve could be granted. The exemptions also occur as the US is seeking to restart trade negotiations with China. Last month, Trump delayed imposing a 10 percent tariff on Chinese-assembled smartphone, laptops, and video game systems until Dec. 15 amid concerns the trade action would raise prices on goods during the holiday shopping season.

The electronics industry's lobbying group, the Consumer Technology Association, told PCMag it's still examining the newly announced tariff exemptions. But an association spokesperson noted: "Please keep in mind the exception doesn't apply to previous tariffs paid and only lasts for one year before you have to reapply."

A year ago, the Trump administration began imposing a 10 percent duty on many PC components made in China. Then in May, the tariff rate rose to 25 percent. The exemptions are valid for one year.

Sources: PC Mag , Federal Register

PC industry gets partial exclusion from US import duties - Videocards included