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Trump's proposed game console tariff has been delayed

The United States' trade war with China conveniently won't affect holiday shoppers.

The President's proposed 25 percent tariff against the videogame and tabletop industries will be implemented a little later than planned. If you were worried about shelling out extra for a Switch this winter, relax.

Trump's administration has delayed planned tariffs on phones, laptops, game consoles, and select clothing until December 15th - three months later than the proposed September 1st deadline (via Washington Post).

“What we’ve done is we’ve delayed it so they won’t be relevant in the Christmas shopping season,” Trump told reporters. “Just in case they might have an impact on people.”

Importantly, the new date places the tariff deadline after Black Friday.

It's sure to come as some relief to Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft ahead of the busy holiday season. But it's unlikely to sway they over completely. The big three rely heavily on Chinese manufacturing, and the trio has condemned Trump's proposed wall on imports.

“While we appreciate the Administration’s efforts to protect US intellectual property and preserve US high-tech leadership, the disproportionate harm caused by these tariffs to US consumers and businesses will undermine—not advance—these goals," a joint statement read.

It also buys the manufacturers more time to decide how to deal with the import hike. Sony has already declared that consumers will eat the costs if thee Playstation becomes more expensive to import.

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Natalie Clayton

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