President Trump's announcement of tariffs as high as 25 percent on goods imported from Canada, China, and Mexico has sparked widespread concern, but surprisingly, the tech industry's biggest players have chosen to remain silent. Despite the potential significant impact on their businesses, companies like Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Nintendo, Samsung, and Sony have declined to comment or refused to say anything at all.

The tariffs, set to go into effect on Tuesday, could have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry, which relies heavily on international trade. The silence from major tech companies is particularly notable, given their usual willingness to weigh in on policy issues that affect their businesses. When reached out to for comment, only Google and Microsoft replied, declining to provide any insight into their stance on the tariffs.

Industry groups, on the other hand, have been more vocal in their opposition to the tariffs. The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) has urged the Trump Administration to "aim for clear, constructive outcomes in its negotiations with foreign governments, avoid trade restrictions and weakened North American economic ties to the extent possible, and roll back the tariffs when outcomes are achieved." The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has also spoken out, warning that "tariffs on video game devices and related products would impact Americans of all ages across the country."

The ESA has also called on the Trump administration to "consult with the private sector in a transparent process to avoid causing significant harm to everyday Americans." This echoes concerns that the tariffs could lead to higher prices for consumers, as well as potential disruptions to global supply chains.

The tech industry's silence on the issue is particularly striking, given the potential consequences for their businesses. The tariffs could lead to increased costs for components and materials, potentially affecting the pricing and availability of popular tech products. Furthermore, the tariffs could also impact the industry's ability to innovate, as companies may be forced to divert resources away from research and development to cope with the added costs.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the tech industry's biggest players will break their silence and weigh in on the issue. In the meantime, industry groups will likely continue to play a key role in shaping the policy debate and advocating for the interests of their members.

The tariffs are just the latest development in an ongoing trade saga, with the Trump administration seeking to renegotiate trade agreements with several major trading partners. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be important to watch for any signs of how the tech industry will respond, and what implications this may have for consumers and the broader economy.