Microsoft, HP, and Dell stockpile Chinese electronic components ahead of potential Trump tariffs

US companies such as Microsoft, HP, and Dell are stockpiling Chinese-made electronic components in preparation for potential tariff hikes under Donald Trump’s return to office, according to Japanese media outlet Nikkei Asia. On Tuesday, Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on all goods imported from China and a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the drug crisis fueled by external factors. Microsoft has instructed suppliers to ramp up production of components for its cloud infrastructure in November and December while relocating Xbox assembly lines and Surface manufacturing outside of China, sources said. HP and Dell have also asked suppliers to increase component production and are revising their 2025 procurement plans to reduce reliance on Chinese-made parts for their PCs. [Nikkei Asia, in Chinese]