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How U.S. Trade Policy Is Driving European IT Buyers to Local Hardware Alternatives

  • Writer: server-parts.eu server-parts.eu
    server-parts.eu server-parts.eu
  • Aug 1
  • 5 min read

European IT buyers—from big data centers and hosting providers to IT resellers, HPC buyers, and mid-size enterprises—have long relied on U.S. tech giants for:


  • Server systems

  • Storage solutions

  • Networking gear

  • GPU-accelerated compute infrastructure


Major American brands such as Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Cisco Systems, IBM, Dell/EMC, NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD have dominated the European enterprise hardware market for decades.


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In newer domains like AI and high-performance computing, NVIDIA alone accounts for over 90% of global server shipments with built-in GPUs—underscoring Europe’s reliance on a single U.S. supplier for advanced AI hardware.

While this American dominance has brought innovation, it has also created hidden costs and risks. In 2025, amid supply chain disruptions and rising tariffs, many European organizations are rethinking their dependence on U.S. vendors.


European IT buyers in 2025 shifting to EU-based refurbished servers, storage, and networking hardware to avoid rising USA tariffs, reduce supply chain delays, and ensure GDPR compliance with local infrastructure solutions.


U.S. Tech Giants and European Dependence - U.S. Trade Policy


Historically, the default choice for European enterprises was to buy from major U.S. OEMs. These companies have EU branches, but their HQs, design, and manufacturing are mostly abroad.


Today:

  • None of Europe’s top five server suppliers are European-owned.

  • U.S. and Asian firms dominate.

  • European buyers are affected by overseas decisions and logistics.


Even when buying U.S. brands from an EU branch or distributor—like HPE Germany—most European customers are still exposed to:


  • U.S.-based supply chain issues

  • Pricing volatility tied to global OEM decisions

  • U.S. regulations or trade policies that affect product availability


In some cases, certain hardware is only available in the U.S., especially in the refurbished or legacy hardware market, forcing buyers to source directly from U.S.-based companies.


This makes it even more critical to find local, EU-based refurbished hardware suppliers who already have stock in Europe—avoiding customs delays, unexpected costs, and regulatory risks.


This reliance is becoming more problematic—not just for data centers but for all IT hardware buyers.



The Hidden Costs and Risks - U.S. Trade Policy


❌ Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

  • Long transatlantic lead times

  • 3–9 month delays during chip shortages

  • U.S. vendors prioritize their domestic market during spikes



❌ Geopolitical and Regulatory Risks

  • 2025 tariffs: 15% on many U.S. IT goods

  • Export restrictions impact advanced components

  • Buyers can’t control foreign political decisions



❌ Currency and Pricing Volatility

  • Costs shift with the USD/EUR rate

  • Budgeting becomes unpredictable



❌ Support Escalation and Lock-In

  • Escalated support often routes through U.S. HQ

  • Proprietary ecosystems reduce flexibility



❌ Compliance and Data Sovereignty

  • GDPR and EU security frameworks prefer EU-sourced equipment

  • Concerns grow around U.S.-origin tech in sensitive sectors



Europe’s Strategic Response: Sovereignty and Self-Reliance - U.S. Trade Policy


The EU is responding with clear initiatives:

  • Digital Sovereignty Agenda: Invests in EU-based cloud, chips, and hardware

  • RISER Project: Developing open, server-class RISC-V processors

  • Independent Suppliers: Companies like Thomas-Krenn.AG manufacture and customize servers in Europe


Many EU-based distributors also resell U.S. brands locally—offering access without import risks.


However, even these distributors often rely on U.S. import channels to get the hardware in stock, and refurbished equipment is often harder to source unless you work with a dedicated EU-based refurbished hardware provider.



The Global Refurbished Hardware Market Faces New Barriers - U.S. Trade Policy


U.S.-based refurbished hardware suppliers have long been the go-to source for enterprise-grade second-hand servers, storage systems, networking gear, and GPUs. But in 2025, they are facing serious challenges when serving international buyers.


A new wave of U.S. tariffs is affecting a broad range of exported technologies. Many refurbished IT products now face import duties of up to 15% when shipped to the European Union, South America, India, the UAE, or parts of Africa. These tariffs are combined with tighter export rules and increased customs scrutiny from the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The result? A slower, more expensive, and more complicated supply chain for international buyers.


On top of this, many refurbished items include components originally made in countries now under U.S. export control. For instance, servers with NVIDIA GPUs, Intel CPUs, or networking modules may fall under ITAR or EAR regulations. These components often require extra documentation—or are blocked from export entirely. That makes buying U.S.-based refurbished stock not just expensive, but risky and time-consuming.


Because of these barriers, the global refurbished hardware market is shifting. Buyers in the EU, South America, India, the Middle East, and Africa are now turning to regional or EU-based providers. These suppliers offer:


  • Lower shipping and customs costs

  • Faster lead times

  • No surprise tariffs

  • Easier local compliance


As the U.S. imposes more trade restrictions, the refurbished hardware market is decentralizing. The smart move for international buyers today is to find trusted refurbished suppliers outside the U.S.—especially in Europe, India, the UAE, or other reliable regional hubs.



Why More IT Buyers Are Turning to EU-Based Partners - U.S. Trade Policy


✅ Faster Lead Times

  • Locally stocked

  • Delivered in days, not months

  • No customs delays


✅ Reliable Support

  • Same time zone

  • Faster escalation and resolution


✅ Flexible Configuration

  • Custom builds to spec

  • Legacy and mixed-hardware support


✅ No Tariff Surprises

  • Intra-EU trade means pricing stability


✅ Compliance and Sustainability

  • Meets EU regulations (RoHS, WEEE, CE, GDPR)

  • Lower carbon footprint



Conclusion: A Better Path Forward - U.S. Trade Policy


You don’t need to stop using U.S. brands, but by sourcing from EU-based hardware providers, you gain:


  • Better control

  • Shorter lead times

  • Stable pricing

  • Local compliance

  • Strategic independence


As global trade becomes more unpredictable, local sourcing is no longer a backup plan—it’s a smart strategy.


Whether you're building HPC clusters or managing enterprise IT upgrades, it’s time to ask:


Could a capable EU-based provider offer me better value and fewer risks?


For many in 2025, the answer is yes.


From GPUs to servers, storage to networking gear, Europe’s own suppliers are stepping up. They offer more than convenience—they offer resilience, trust, and long-term value. For European companies buying in volume, the best solution might already be right next door.



Server, Storage & Switch: Save Up to 80%

✔️ No Upfront Payment Required - Test First, Pay Later!



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