On Monday morning, a surprising announcement was made in the tech world. Framework, a company focusing on modularity, repairability, and sustainability in consumer laptops, said it was temporarily suspending some of its most affordable models. The reason for this is the tariffs introduced during the Trump era, which have strained trade relations between the US and Taiwan. The decision has disappointed fans of the company, as Framework has always strived to make technology accessible to everyone.
The impact of these tariffs is not limited to Framework. Recently, Nintendo also delayed its Switch 2 pre-orders in the US, allowing other parts of the world to first get their hands on the new handheld gaming device. These two incidents clearly demonstrate the turmoil that tariffs are creating in international trade. Framework confirmed the matter on its official subreddit, revealing that six models have been temporarily suspended, citing the new tariffs that will take effect on Wednesday.
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Framework laptops were originally designed to reduce e-waste, giving consumers the freedom to easily upgrade and repair their devices. But now, these laptops are caught in the crossfire of international trade disputes. This situation has brought a new challenge to US consumers—upgrading or purchasing their computers has now become a process fraught with uncertain delays.
Framework is not a huge multinational corporation, and it does not have the ability to quickly change production lines or raise prices to avoid alienating consumers. Large companies like Apple can easily deal with these problems, but smaller companies like Framework cannot afford the burden of these tariffs. This has put Framework’s unique appeal—offering upgradable, stable devices, as opposed to regular laptops—at risk.
According to a post on X, some base models of the Framework Laptop 13 in the US, including the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H and AMD Ryzen 5 7640U, have been discontinued. These models started at $899 and $999, respectively, but now their prices have increased due to tariffs, leaving the company facing losses. As a result, the starting price of the Framework Laptop 13 has now increased from $1,099 to $1,399, which is a blow to its affordable image.
Consumer reactions to the news have been mixed. While some understand and support the decision, others have reacted with disappointment and anger. Some have expressed concern that Framework’s 13-inch laptop will no longer be an affordable DIY option but will become an expensive product. However, the company has made it clear that this issue is not limited to Framework, as other manufacturers are taking similar steps—they just aren’t saying it publicly.
Currently, other models of Framework laptops are not affected by these tariffs, but the entry point for affordable modular laptops is a bit narrow. The full impact that Trump’s tariffs will have on the tech industry is not yet clear. Big brands will be able to adjust their costs, but smaller companies like Framework may not be able to withstand the pressure.
It is not yet clear when Framework will try to bring back these affordable models in the future. The company, which supports the right to repair, will need some time and strategy to navigate these volatile conditions of tariffs. The incident clearly highlights the challenges faced by small companies fighting for stability and fairness in the tech world.