HP, Lenovo, ASUS Laptop Prices Jump in China as Entry-Level Costs Double

Laptop prices in China are jumping sharply as major brands HP, Lenovo, and ASUS raise costs across their product lines. Buyers looking for entry-level machines face the steepest changes, with costs nearly doubling from roughly 3,000 RMB (around $445) to nearly 6,000 RMB (around $890). This shift means consumers must budget significantly more for basic computing needs than they did just weeks ago.

Entry-level models face near-doubling costs as subsidies expire

The price increases target all three major manufacturers simultaneously, affecting a broad range of devices rather than isolated models. HP has already adjusted pricing for more than 80% of its products, with some individual items seeing hikes of up to 15%. Lenovo and ASUS are aligning their adjustments to follow the same trajectory across the market.

Several factors drive this sudden cost escalation, including tight supply of upstream chips and storage components. Rising raw material costs add further pressure on manufacturers trying to maintain margins. The expiration of a 500 RMB (around $74.16) student purchase subsidy on August 31 removes a key discount that previously kept entry-level prices lower for students.

ASUS estimates that its products will see a minimum price increase of 500 RMB (around $74.16) per unit after the holiday period. The broader market impact extends beyond new devices, as the secondary market for used laptops also experiences price surges. Some used models are reportedly doubling in value as new options become less affordable.

These hikes take effect around September 1, 2024, marking a clear break from previous pricing stability. Consumers should expect higher sticker prices at retail and online stores starting this week. The combination of supply constraints and subsidy expiration creates a sustained upward pressure on laptop costs in China.