Tech Jobs and the New US Tariffs: Navigating the Next 5 Years

As the US imposes new tariffs on global trade, the impact on technology jobs will be felt across all industries and countries over the next five years. These tariffs will reshape global supply chains, altering how companies approach tech production, innovation, and talent acquisition.

Some roles tied to manufacturing and hardware production, especially those in countries heavily reliant on imported tech components such as Mexico, could face declines. Skills in traditional assembly line work, low-level IT support, and roles focused on obsolete technologies might be phased out. As companies move toward automation and digital-first strategies, these positions will be less in demand.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, the demand for digital skills will surge, particularly in software development, cybersecurity, AI, and data analytics. Countries like the US, Canada, and Germany, which are pushing innovation in these areas, will see growth in these fields. In emerging markets like South Africa, there will be a growing need for cloud computing, blockchain development, and cybersecurity professionals, confirmed by my young waiter at the local Italian last night who was in their second year of Cybersecurity studies. In many ways the world is becoming more interconnected, and as businesses move toward digital platforms, the need for expertise in these areas will have to grow.

So who does the future belong to? Those who can adapt or to those who believe in the beauty of their dream? With these new tariffs, it’s clear that adaptability and a focus on future-facing skills will separate the men from the boys.

As the global tech landscape evolves due to tariffs, it’s crucial for both companies and workers to pivot toward high-demand skills. This shift offers an exciting opportunity for innovation but only if we are ready to embrace the change - because change is here to stay.