As K–12 technology teams prepare for the new school year, a growing challenge continues to shape purchasing decisions: the escalating impact of global tariffs on school technology, especially 1:1 devices, accessories, and key components used in education.

What We’re Seeing Now

Tariffs are affecting K–12 device procurement, driving up costs and creating delays that strain already-tight timelines. 

In April and May, many districts had to re-quote nearly every tech order, as suppliers adjusted to fluctuating rates and inventory availability. This summer, the long-term effects of earlier tariffs are still playing out:

• Slower and delayed shipping on nearly all non-domestic products
• Shifting manufacturing sources, leading to inconsistencies in quality
• Changes in packaging standards, causing more damage in transit, slower unboxing, and longer Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) processes

Things Are About to Intensify: New Tariff Rates Set for August 1, 2025

Just this week, the U.S. announced a new wave of import tariffs that will further affect K–12 technology purchasing:

• 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico
• 35% tariffs on Canadian imports not covered under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• 25% tariffs on products from Japan and South Korea, including semiconductors and electronics
  
  These are on top of:

• The existing 10% universal tariff
• 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos

All part of the Administration’s reciprocal trade policy, these changes could lead to further disruptions in educational technology purchasing.

How These Tariffs Amplify Existing Challenges

• Higher pricing across devices, accessories, components, and freight
• Longer lead times due to shipping and customs delays
• Increased risk of defects from manufacturing pivots and unproven vendors
• Rising damage rates from unfamiliar packaging processes and rushed logistics
  
  

What Can K–12 Tech Teams Do Now?

To stay ahead of these challenges, use these four ed tech planning strategies:

1. Order earlier than usual: Build in extra lead time not just for shipping, but for customs delays.
   
   
2. Work closely with resellers and distribution partners: Forecast needs and explore domestic inventory or alternative product options.
   
   
3. Stagger deployments: Break large-scale rollouts into manageable waves to reduce risk.
   
   
4. Inspect shipments on arrival: Document any damage or quality issues right away to speed up RMA or replacement timelines.
   
   

We’re Here to Help

Secured Tech is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to support your district with alternative sourcing options, domestic fulfillment, inventory planning, and quality control support.

Have questions about how these new tariffs might affect your purchasing cycle? Reach out to sales@securedtech.com. We're here to help you plan ahead and avoid surprises.