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CTA CEO Warns Tariff Hikes on Canada, China, Mexico Will Spur Inflation, Strain Key Alliances

February 1, 2025

  • Ed Frank, CTA Director, Policy Communications
Article Summary

CTA's CEO and Vice Chair, Gary Shapiro warns about the negative impact tariffs will have on the technology industry.

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®

“Tariffs are taxes on American consumers, not foreign governments or companies. Increasing tariffs on imports from Canada, China, and Mexico will fuel inflation and raise prices on tech products, automotive manufacturing, and services.”
 
“Misusing tariffs alienates our allies, aggravates our adversaries, closes markets to U.S. exports and investments, and weakens the global trading system that has powered America’s economic growth for decades. Tariffs are tools for resolving trade disputes—not political bargaining chips for issues like immigration or drug control.
 
“Instead of picking costly trade fights, we should strengthen relationships with our key trading partners and leverage free trade agreements to ensure that our economic and foreign policy goals can be resolved productively.”
 
Editor’s Note: CTA research shows that tariffs proposed by President Trump could lead to a $90-$143 billion decline in U.S. consumer purchasing power of the tech devices Americans rely on. Learn more about CTA’s Innovation Agenda here.

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:

As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech. 

About CES®:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.  

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