Thu. 04/03 – How Tariffs Might Impact Tech

Apr 3, 2025 16m

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Well we gotta talk about this tariff thing because the early indications are this could impact almost every nook and cranny of the tech industry. Could we get an announcement about TikTok within days? I think I figured out why CoreWeave’s stock popped back up. And how Nintendo plans to fight the scalpers.

Links:

Trump’s New Tariffs Test Apple’s Global Supply Chain (NYTimes)
Trump to Outline TikTok Deal Proposal, With ByteDance Retaining Stake (The Information)
Google in Advanced Talks to Rent Nvidia AI Servers From CoreWeave (The Information)
AI Video Startup Runway Valued at $3 Billion in Funding Round (Bloomberg)
Amazon targets April 9 launch of first Kuiper internet satellites (Reuters)
Nintendo’s Switch 2 preorder process has strict requirements to thwart scalpers (The Verge)

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AI-Generated Summary

Impact of New Tariffs on Tech Industry

The episode discusses the substantial impact of the newly announced tariffs by the U.S. on the tech industry, which includes a 34% tariff hike on goods imported from China. This is expected to affect major tech companies like Apple, which could see increased production costs and a hit to profits. The podcast also highlights how these tariffs might contribute to a trade war, prompting countries to retaliate with their own tariffs, thus complicating the global tech supply chain.

TikTok's Potential Restructuring Announcement

Listeners are informed that an announcement regarding TikTok is imminent. The proposed restructuring will see TikTok America being partially owned by U.S. investors, allowing the company to comply with U.S. laws regarding foreign ownership. This move is aimed at averting a complete ban on TikTok due to its ties with parent company ByteDance.

CoreWeave's Stock Rebound and AI Chip Demand

The episode reveals insights about CoreWeave's recent stock performance, attributed to conversations with major tech firms like Google. The demand for AI chips, particularly Nvidia's, has skyrocketed, causing supply constraints. CoreWeave's partnership with Nvidia highlights its potential as a leading provider of AI-focused cloud services amidst this growing demand.

Advancements in AI Video Technology

Runway, an AI video startup, has raised substantial funding and continues to innovate in video generation technology. The company aims to enhance the filmmaking process, enabling creators to produce content quickly, much like the quick turnaround seen in Saturday Night Live. The competition in the AI video space is intensifying, with several tech giants entering the fray.

Amazon's Kuiper Satellite Launch Plans

Amazon is gearing up to launch its first batch of satellites for the Project Kuiper internet network on April 9. The company plans to deploy over 3,000 satellites to provide global high-speed internet access, positioning itself as strong competition against SpaceX's Starlink. This segment highlights Amazon's ambitious plans and the technological innovations involved.

Nintendo's Switch 2 Preorder Strategy

Nintendo outlines a unique preorder mechanism for its upcoming Switch 2, requiring players to show sufficient gameplay hours on their current consoles to prioritize serious gamers over scalpers. This proactive approach aims to secure fair access for loyal customers ahead of the console's release.