In a bizarre series of events, Framework Laptop prices were increased by 10% and then promptly reversed to their original prices within an hour, all due to President Trump's sudden announcement of a 90-day tariff pause. The drama unfolded on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, as the company struggled to navigate the ever-changing landscape of trade policies.

The saga began when Trump's new tariffs, including a 104% tariff on China and a 32% tariff on Taiwan, went into effect at 12:01 AM ET. In response, Framework announced a 10% price hike on all its laptops at 12:30 PM ET, citing the increased cost of importing components from Taiwan. However, just 48 minutes later, Trump took to social media to announce a 90-day pause on tariffs for most countries, except for China, which would see an increased 125% rate.

Framework quickly reversed its price hike, bringing laptop prices back to their original levels. The company had initially planned to absorb part of the increased cost, but the sudden tariff pause rendered that decision moot. In a blog post, Framework CEO Nirav Patel expressed frustration with the situation, saying, "This sucks, for you, for us, and for our mission to remake Consumer Electronics."

The tariff turmoil also affected Framework's plans for its new entry-level Framework Laptop 12. The company had delayed opening preorders for the laptop in the US, citing uncertainty over the tariffs. It remains unclear whether Framework will resume US preorders now that the Taiwan tariffs are on pause. Patel promised to keep customers updated on any changes to the company's plans.

Framework's experience highlights the challenges faced by companies operating in the uncertain environment of trade policies. The company had taken steps to mitigate the impact of tariffs by manufacturing most of its products in Taiwan, but even that was not enough to shield it from the effects of Trump's policies. Patel noted that many of Framework's modular components are still manufactured in China, where tariffs are strongest, and prices for those components may continue to rise.

The incident also underscores the importance of transparency and adaptability in the tech industry. Framework's decision to publicly explain its pricing decisions and tariff-related challenges demonstrates a commitment to openness and customer trust. As the company navigates the complex landscape of trade policies, it remains focused on delivering high-quality products and fulfilling its mission to remake consumer electronics.

In the end, Framework's wild ride serves as a cautionary tale for companies operating in the global supply chain. As trade policies continue to evolve, companies must remain agile and prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. For Framework, the experience has been a valuable lesson in the importance of transparency, adaptability, and customer communication.