Tariff-ied Framework pulls laptops, Keyboardio warns of keystroke sticker shock

Small IT hardware firms feel the heat from Trump making prices great

World War Fee Modular laptop maker Framework is pausing sales of models it would make a loss on, while a small US keyboard biz is facing hundreds of dollars slapped on its products that American consumers will have to pay.

The Trumpian "Liberation Day" tariffs on a wide range of imported goods from around the world were announced last week, with a further hike in fees threatened against China-made products this week after Beijing dared to retaliate.

Now Framework, which offers more modular and repairable laptop designs, has signaled that it is temporarily pausing sales of some models in America, citing the new so-called "reciprocal" tariffs that came into effect on April 5.

"We're temporarily pausing US sales on a few base Framework Laptop 13 systems (Ultra 5 125H and Ryzen 5 7640U). For now, these models will be removed from our US site. We will continue to provide updates as we have them," the company posted on X, the site many still prefer to call Twitter.

When asked why, Framework explained: "We priced our laptops when tariffs on imports from Taiwan were 0 percent. At a 10 percent tariff, we would have to sell the lowest-end SKUs at a loss. Other consumer goods makers have performed the same calculations and taken the same actions, though most have not been open about it."

The company introduced a new line-up at the end of February, which included an updated version of the Framework Laptop 13, a mini desktop PC, and a repairable and upgradeable 12.2-inch touchscreen convertible, intended to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

This model, the Framework Laptop 12, is due to be available for pre-order this week, starting April 9 at 8am Pacific time. The company said it will share the full specifications, pricing, and delivery timelines at that point.

We asked about the impact of tariffs on Framework's other models, and will update if we get a response.

Specialist keyboard company says huge hikes on way

Meanwhile, Keyboardio, a US-based specialist keyboard biz, is warning its customers: "If you want a keyboard, you should buy it now," as it faces a huge hike in charges for its products, which are manufactured in China.

The firm sells exotic split keyboards for buyers wanting more than a standard QWERTY, but explains in an open letter to customers that they will face a 54 percent import tax on any package from Keyboardio that arrives after May 1. This is a result of the ending of the "de minimis" rule that exempted imported packages with a value under $800 from duties or taxes.

As a result, the company warns that starting in May, US customers will be charged $188 in tariffs on one of its Model 100 keyboards, plus customs clearance fees, while for an Atreus model the figure will be $80-plus customs fees. If Trump carries out his threat of additional tariffs on China-sourced goods, those figures will be even higher.

"We're a small company making niche products; we don't have the volume to justify opening our own factory. We definitely don't have the capital to do it. We rely on contract manufacturing, where we pay a network of factories to make products to our specifications," Keyboardio explains in its open letter.

"Most of our electrical components are made in China. Sometimes we'll use or consider components not made in China – and they're made in Japan, Taiwan, or Germany. The USA doesn't make the components we need."

But if anyone does want a hand-assembled keyboard made in America, Keyboardio points to a company that sells them – for $3,600. ®

Updated to add at 1642 UTC

Framework told us it did "not have any additional information at this time outside of the information in the X posts." The modular laptop maker told The Register it would will provide updates "as they have them."