NVIDIA and AMD are scrambling to ship their next-gen GPUs to U.S. warehouses ahead of the looming Trump administration tariffs, which could increase GPU prices by up to 40%. These desperate measures aim to avoid the steep import taxes set to take effect, potentially driving flagship GPU prices, like the GeForce RTX 5090, to over $2,500.

A Race Against Time

To beat the January 20 deadline, NVIDIA and AMD have reportedly ramped up production and shipping of their next-gen GPUs, pushing AIB partners to deliver units far earlier than usual. This unusual move is driven by the tariff proposal, which includes a 10% tax on imports from non-China countries and a staggering 60% tariff on imports from China—a major source of consumer GPUs. With most gaming GPUs manufactured in China, the price hike could significantly impact the market, forcing manufacturers to pass the costs onto consumers.

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What This Means for Gamers

If the tariffs take effect, NVIDIA’s flagship RTX 5090, estimated to launch at $1,799, could see its price soar to $2,500 or more. This would not only disrupt the high-end GPU market but also drive demand for second-hand GPUs as consumers look for more affordable options. Similar measures are being taken by other tech giants like Microsoft, Dell, and HP, who are also accelerating production to avoid the tariffs.

As the clock ticks down, the GPU market faces a turbulent start to 2025, with gamers and PC enthusiasts bracing for potential price surges. Stay tuned for updates as NVIDIA and AMD navigate this high-stakes race against time.

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