The IT landscape is shifting again—and this time, tariffs are driving up costs.
The U.S. has added another 10% tariff on top of the existing
7.5%, bringing the total to 17.5% on affected products from China. In response, China has implemented export restrictions on key minerals essential for networking gear, which could lead to higher prices and longer lead times for new hardware.
For IT buyers, this means higher costs, potential delays, and difficult IT hardware budget decisions. But it also presents an opportunity to rethink purchasing strategies and explore cost-effective alternatives.
How Rising Tariffs Are Impacting IT Purchases
Many vendors are already adjusting pricing to reflect the increased costs. Some are negotiating with suppliers to absorb part of the increase while also exploring alternative manufacturing outside of China. Others are rolling out new price books with the rising tariff adjustments baked in.
The bottom line?
- OEM pricing is increasing—and it’s unlikely to slow down.
- Lead times could stretch out due to supply chain constraints.
- IT hardware budgets are under pressure, forcing organizations to rethink planned purchases.
With these shifts in play, reactive buying could cost you significantly more in 2024. Now is the time to take control of your IT strategy.
How to Navigate Rising IT Hardware Costs
Instead of absorbing price hikes and longer lead times, IT teams are adjusting their approach. Here are four key ways to stay ahead:
- Extend the Life of Your Existing Hardware
If your IT hardware is still performing well, there’s no need to rush into an upgrade just because your OEM contract is ending. Systain Third-party maintenance (TPM) from OSI allows you to extend the life of your existing equipment at a fraction of OEM support costs.
By holding off on a major hardware refresh, you can preserve IT hardware budget, maintain performance, and ride out the current market volatility.
- Consider Pre-Owned Hardware Instead of Buying New
For IT teams that can’t wait for new equipment, pre-owned hardware is an effective alternative.
- Get the hardware you need now without dealing with potential OEM delays.
- Save significantly compared to new OEM pricing.
- Reduce supply chain risk by sourcing equipment that’s already available.
OSI Global provides high-quality, tested pre-owned hardware to help organizations stay on track without overspending.
- Transition from OEM to Third-Party Optics
Rising tariffs are making OEM optics even more expensive, and many IT leaders are finally making the switch to third-party optics as a cost-effective alternative.
Fully compatible, rigorously tested third-party optics deliver the same performance and reliability without the inflated OEM pricing. With rising tariffs pushing costs even higher, this is the perfect time to evaluate whether OEM optics are still worth the price.
- Get Ahead of Future Price Increases
Some IT teams are choosing to buy now before additional tariff hikes take effect. Others are delaying large purchases and focusing on ways to maximize existing infrastructure.
No matter which approach makes the most sense for your organization, the key is to act strategically. OSI Global can help you:
- Lock in pricing before the next round of increases.
- Source pre-owned hardware and alternative optics.
- Extend the life of your current infrastructure to minimize iT hardware budget impact.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Rising Tariffs Dictate Your IT Strategy
With rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions ahead, IT teams need to be proactive. Instead of scrambling for expensive new hardware, consider smarter alternatives that allow you to maintain performance while keeping costs under control.
At OSI Global, we specialize in helping organizations adapt to market shifts, save money, and stay ahead of these challenges. Whether through third-party maintenance, pre-owned hardware, or cost-effective optics, we provide the flexibility IT teams need to navigate these uncertain times.
Let’s discuss how we can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays. Contact us today to explore your options.
