Artificial intelligence is already part of our day to day. We use chatgpt or gemini to plan vacations or summaries, and applications such as Adobe Express or Canva to create memes or images. Sometimes with free functions enough, but in many cases we end up paying a subscription.
In the business field, the situation is a bit different. Companies usually pay from the first use to access AI tools that promote their own initiatives, such as customer service chatbots or data analysis systems.
The threat of tariffs. Both private users and companies could end up paying more for the use of AI. The reason: the most recent tariffs that the White House is imposing. Although the direct impact will mainly affect the United States, we live in a globalized digital environment. And there are several factors that can make the Price increase extend to the rest of the world.
More expensive data centers, more expensive services. The Wall Street Journal points out that the tariff war promoted by the United States can make the construction of data centers more expensive, which would somehow impact the price of AI services. The focus is in steel and aluminum: two key materials not only to lift the physical structure, but also for cooling systems, server racks and trays for wiring.
Chips are also in the equation. The conflict also reaches the semiconductor industry. Although some devices are exempt, certain GPUs designed for AI are included in the new tariffs. The supply chain in this sector is global and complex, and these measures can generate cascade effects. Muddu Sudhakar, Aisera CEO, warned that if building data centers is more expensive, artificial intelligence systems will also be operated.
It is not yet known when the impact will come. At the moment, the real scope of these possible changes in the rates is still clear. Trump’s commercial policy continues to redefine itself, and many projects in progress continue with components acquired before the new tariffs are activated. It is time to wait to know if at some point in the coming months the subscriptions to AI services will be more expensive.
A trend that was already coming. Even before this scenario, the most expensive subscriptions already appeared the leg. The Chatgpt Pro Plan of 200 dollars a month is a clear example. The generative AI is the face of maintaining, and although there are no exact figures, several experts agree that their profitability is still far. According to The Information, Openai hopes to achieve benefits only in 2029. Until then, the business will continue to lose money.
The deceleration is also a reality. It should be remembered that a certain brake was noticed in the construction of data centers since before the new wave of tariffs was announced. Microsoft, one of the largest investors in this type of infrastructure, canceled or postponed several projects in the United States and Europe. According to TD Cowen analysts, the decision responds to both excess supply and adjustments in their agreement with OpenAI.
Images | Solen Feyissa | Michael Pointner
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