1 week Ago
Dell Technologies Inc has eliminated or narrowed the US discounts on many of its computers, the latest sign that consumers may have to pay more in the face of vacillating tariff plans. There are fewer laptop discounts currently listed on Dell’s online store than at any point since at least the start of 2024, according to an analysis of archived versions of Dell’s website hosted by the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine. Some specials have also been removed from desktop computers.
For example, one XPS 16 laptop had a US$600 (RM2,685) discount in late March 2025 and was also heavily discounted in December 2024. On Wednesday, that markdown had been removed, bringing the laptop’s total price to about US$3,050 (RM13,653). Tariff announcements by US President Donald Trump have whipsawed global markets and spurred fears of a recession.
The threat of disruption is particularly acute for electronics makers, which get their components and manufacturing labour from around the world. Trump’s decision to pause the levies for most nations sent markets roaring back on Wednesday, though the duties on China are climbing to 125%. Dell, based in Round Rock, Texas, didn’t have an immediate comment.
Chief financial officer Yvonne McGill told investors in March that the company sees tariffs as an input cost. "So as I think through an input cost increase, I will have to ultimately pass that through to the customer,” she said. Consumer devices like laptops and smartphones are frequently sold below list price in limited-time offers.
In some cases, discounts have been reduced without being ended altogether. A budget-tier Dell Inspiron laptop was on sale for US$250 (RM1,119) in late March after an US$130 (RM581) discount. On Wednesday, the same laptop was available for US$300 (RM1,343).
In at least one case, Dell has increased the list prices for devices. Late last month, an Alienware-branded gaming laptop was available for about US$1,700 (RM7,610) before discounts. On Tuesday, the same laptop was listed for US$1,880 (RM8,416).
Like most electronics companies, Dell relies on a long list of vendors to provide components or handle assembly work. It has touted its global supply chain as an asset, saying it’s diverse enough to allow the company to navigate the impact of tariffs. – Bloomberg.
