IT prices to evade tariff hit

Local prices of smartphones and IT products are not expected to be affected by the new US import tariffs in the short term as the majority of these products are made in Asia, say retailers.

- SUCHIT LEESA-NGUANSUK

However, prices may increase for new production batches in the fourth quarter.

Dusit Sukumvitaya, chief executive of Jaymart Mobile Ltd, said the company does not predict any impact on smartphone prices in the second or third quarters.

However, if raw material costs increase, prices may rise in the fourth quarter, he said.

Consumer purchasing power could weaken based on US import tariffs, causing a broader effect on the local economy, said Mr Dusit.

However, US President Donald Trump recently announced a three-month pause on reciprocal tariffs, meaning exporters still have not felt the effect, he said.