How Do I Protect My Business from Rising Tech Costs in 2025?

If you’re trying to protect your business from rising tech costs in 2025, you’re not alone. Tariffs are changing. Inflation still lingers. And China just made a move that could shake global supply chains.

You’re not imagining it. And you’re not powerless, either.

Here’s what’s really going on, what could be around the corner, and exactly what you can do now to protect your business and control your costs.

Why Tech Costs Keep Climbing in 2025

Even if your business doesn’t import anything directly, you’re being hit by cost increases passed down through the supply chain. Here’s why:

Inflation Is Still Pressuring Prices

We’re not in a 9% inflation spike anymore like 2022—but inflation is still here. As of mid-2025, it’s hovering around 2–4% across categories. That means everything from labor to shipping to materials is more expensive. Costs creep up, and they don’t come back down easily.

Tariffs Are Back in a Big Way

When President Trump returned to office in January 2025, he immediately re-ignited trade enforcement. He launched what’s been called the “Liberation Day” tariff regime. Starting in April:

• A 10% tariff now applies to nearly all imported goods.

• Tariffs on steel and aluminum doubled to 50%.

• Tariff exemptions for low‑value shipments were reduced or eliminated.

• Cross-border imports from Canada and Mexico are also facing new duties.

That means your office printer, toner cartridges, or that component in your backup scanner? If it came from overseas—or even includes parts from overseas—it likely costs more today than it did in January. As reported by Supply Chain Dive, businesses face pressure from both tariffs and rare earth shortages.

China’s Latest Move: Rare Earth Restrictions

As if tariffs weren’t enough, China recently announced strict new export controls on rare earth elements and related refining technology. These are the materials used in everything from:

• Motors and sensors

• Circuit boards

• Magnets for small mechanical components

• Chips used in modern copiers and printers

Starting late 2025, many of these items will require special export licenses from the Chinese government. Even trace amounts of restricted materials could delay or block shipments.

The U.S. has responded with the threat of a 100% tariff on all Chinese goods, starting November 1, 2025. It’s not guaranteed to happen—but it’s definitely on the table.

And that has vendors scrambling.

Why This Hits Your Tech Budget So Hard

You might be thinking: “Okay, but I’m not importing servers from China. I just lease a few copiers and get service.”

That’s where it gets tricky.

Modern office technology—especially printers, copiers, and serviceable electronics—use components and materials that are caught up in this mess. Here’s how it sneaks into your budget:

• Hardware costs are rising because manufacturers are paying more for raw materials, motors, and electronics.

• Supplies like toner, drums, and maintenance kits may be hit by tariffs, especially if they contain rare earth metals or chips.

• Service agreements may include escalator clauses that allow vendors to raise rates due to “market conditions.”

• Older equipment becomes expensive to support as replacement parts become harder to find or more costly to ship.

• Your leasing rates on new equipment may quietly increase, because the vendor is trying to offset higher purchase costs.

If you haven’t reviewed your agreements or sourcing strategy recently, you could be absorbing all of these increases—and more.

What’s Likely Coming Next

This isn’t a one-time event. Here’s what to expect in the months ahead:

• November 1, 2025: The Trump administration could activate the full 100% tariff on Chinese goods.

• Late 2025: China’s new export controls on rare earths and magnets go into full enforcement.

• November–December 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear challenges to the legality of broad presidential tariff powers. That may affect some policies, but not all.

• 2026 and beyond: Expect a more divided global supply chain, tighter controls, and faster pricing swings.

How to Protect Your Business from Rising Tech Costs Right Now

Here’s the good news: You’re not stuck. There are smart, practical steps you can take to protect your business today.

1. Audit Your Equipment and Vendor Agreements

Pull out your leases, maintenance agreements, and supply contracts. Look for:

• Automatic annual price increases

• Vague “market rate adjustments”

• Tariff pass-through language

• Terms that auto-renew without review

If you spot any of these, it’s time to renegotiate—or at least get an outside perspective.

One of the most effective ways to reduce tech costs in 2025 is to renegotiate outdated copier or service agreements.

2. Understand Where Your Equipment Comes From

Ask your vendors: “Where are the key parts sourced from?”
If your toner drum, fuser, or control panel includes components from China, Mexico, or Canada, you’re likely vulnerable to future price hikes or delays. Knowing this lets you plan better.

3. Right-Size Your Setup

Most businesses are either:

• Paying for more printing capacity than they need, or

• Running older machines that cost too much to maintain.

Either way, it’s costing you money.

By right-sizing your fleet—matching device count, size, and volume to actual needs—you can cut print costs by up to 30% or more.

4. Consider Preemptive Upgrades

If your copier or printer lease is ending in the next 6–12 months, or your hardware is older, consider upgrading now.

Why? Because:

• You may still be able to lock in pre‑tariff pricing.

• Many vendors have stock purchased before the latest price hikes.

• Newer equipment is often more efficient, cheaper to maintain, and easier to manage remotely.

5. Stock Critical Supplies Strategically

I’m not saying you should hoard toner. But if you rely on a specific cartridge, part, or specialty supply that’s already in short supply—or sourced internationally—it might be smart to get a few extras now.

Just be strategic. No need to tie up your cash flow.

6. Get a Second Set of Eyes

Sometimes it’s hard to see the issues when you’re too close to them.

That’s where we come in.

How ClearView Business Solutions Can Help

At ClearView, we specialize in helping businesses cut costs and reduce risk in exactly these situations.

We offer:

• Free office technology audits to review your current spend

• Vendor agreement analysis to identify hidden costs and risks

• Fleet right-sizing strategies to save money without sacrificing service

• Transparent sourcing so you know exactly what you’re paying for—and why

• Proactive planning before prices rise further or parts become harder to get

You don’t need to scramble when costs spike. You need a partner who plans ahead with you.

Let’s Talk

You’ve got enough on your plate. Don’t let uncertainty around tariffs, inflation, or supply chains eat into your profits.

Let me help you get ahead of it.

📞 Call us at 844‑282‑2737
📧 Email me directly at [email protected]