Framework, Razer pause laptop sales in US amid tariff hike

"Due to the new tariffs that came into effect on April 5th, we are temporarily pausing U.S. sales on a few base Framework Laptop 13 systems (Ultra 5 125H and Ryzen 5 7640U)," Framework Computer announced on X on Apr. 8.

"For now, these models will be removed from our U.S. site. We will continue to provide updates as we have them."

In follow-up posts, the San Francisco-based firm said its laptops are made in Taiwan, subjecting them to a 10% import tariff, which will rise to 32% starting Apr. 9. It is also considering halting sales of other models, including the latest Framework Laptop 12.

"We’re holding the next step, repricing products for sale in the US, until we have final confirmation that there is no alternative."

Framework Computer was founded in January 2020 by Nirav Patel, former head of hardware at Oculus, the VR company acquired by Meta. It raised tens of millions of U.S. dollars in funding rounds from 2021 to 2024. The company has recently expanded beyond laptops into other consumer electronics.

Razer's laptops. Photo courtesy of Razer

Razer has similarly removed flagship models, including the Blade 14, 16 and 18, from its U.S. website, along with the Razer Edge handheld console.

Though the company has not issued a public statement, tech site PCWorld reported the move may be a strategic pause as the company evaluates how to respond to the Trump administration’s latest tariffs.

Founded in 1998 by Min-Liang Tan and Robert Krakoff, Razer is based in Irvine, California, and caters to gamers with a range of products, including PCs, gaming laptops, tablets, wearables, and accessories. Most of its products are manufactured in China, on whom U.S. import tariffs have surged from 34% to 104% amid an ongoing trade war.

Meanwhile, memory chipmaker Micron notified U.S. clients on Apr. 8 that it would impose surcharges starting Apr. 9 due to the tariff changes, news Reuters reported. The company manufactures primarily in Asia, with facilities in China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore.

This echoed comments made during a post-earnings call on Mar. 21, when Micron executives said they intended to pass on added costs to customers in affected regions.

An executive at an Asia-based NAND module manufacturer told Reuters they were adopting a similar approach: "If they don't want to bear the taxes, we cannot ship the products.

"We cannot be held accountable for the decisions made by your government," the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "With this kind of tax rate, no company can generously say, ‘I'll take on the burden.’"