Republic of Gamers Announces Next-Gen RTX 50 Series Laptop Lineup – Now Available for Pre-Order in Canada
TORONTO, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced the arrival of its 2025 NVIDIA® RTX™ Laptop GPU line-up of equipped devices – now available for pre-order. ROG's cutting-edge line-up involves the latest from NVIDIA, with innovative graphics technologies like DLSS 4 and Frame Generation to enjoy ray tracing without sacrificing performance. Our line up available for pre-order includes: ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16, on online retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, CDW, Canada Computers and selected retailers.
ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18: Unleashing Ultimate Power and Precision
At the heart of our line-up is the 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16 & SCAR 18, equipped with the most powerful RTX 50 Series Laptop GPU's NVIDIA has to offer. They're also equipped with a built in MUX Switch and NVIDIA Advanced Optimus, these laptops are engineered handle the most demanding AAA titles, high-performance applications, and intensive multi-tasking with ease.
Complementing this power is ROG's Intelligent Cooling technology, which incorporates a custom vapor chamber, sandwiched heatsink, and advanced Tri-Fan Technology. Enhanced further with Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on both the CPU and GPU, this thermal system keeps temperatures low and reduces noise levels to 45dB, allowing gamers to fully unleash their hardware's potential in even the most extended sessions.
With up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 RAM and a spacious up to 4TB PCIe Gen4 SSD, the Strix SCAR Series delivers exceptional speed, storage, and smooth multitasking. The tool-less access design makes it easy to upgrade both memory and storage, empowering users to stay at the cutting edge of technology. Additionally, the AniMe Vision array on the lid and full-surround Aura RGB light bar across the chassis allow gamers to customize their devices and create a distinctive, personal aesthetic.
ROG Strix G16: Empowering Every Gamer
Designed to unite squads and elevate gaming experiences, the ROG Strix G16 deliver fast AAA gaming performance and seamless content creation, powered by Intel's® Core™ Ultra 9 Processor 275HX. Paired with NVIDIA RTX™ 50 Series Laptop GPUs, these devices offer unmatched performance and stunning graphics. With up to 32GB of DDR5 5600MHz RAM, they ensure smooth multitasking and efficient handling of resource-intensive applications. The advanced Tri-Fan Technology, full-width heatsink, and full-surround vents provide exceptional thermal management, allowing users to maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions.
The ROG Strix G16 is equipped with dual PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD slots and designed for future-proofing, with Intel models supporting PCIe Gen 5 on both slots this allows for seamless storage upgrades. With customizable hotkeys for quick access to essential functions, the Strix G16 empower gamers to rise to victory.
ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16: Ultra-Portable Gaming at its Best
The ROG Zephyrus G14 and G16 are prime choices for gamers and creators seeking portability without sacrificing performance. Crafted from a CNC-milled aluminum chassis, these laptops balance lightweight design with structural durability. The G16 is powered by up to the latest Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 285H, while the G14 features up to an AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor. They come equipped with up to an NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 on the G16 and up to an RTX™ 5080 on the G14, delivering top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking on the go.
To maintain peak performance during intense gaming sessions, the Zephyrus series incorporates an advanced cooling system that includes 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans, and either a vapor chamber or a robust set of heat pipes depending on the configuration. With weights of just 3.46lbs for the G14 and 1.95 Kg (4.30 lbs) for the G16, alongside a thickness of 1.59cm (0.63') for the Zephyrus G14 and 1.49cm (0.59') for the Zephyrus G16 at their thinnest section, these ultra-thin laptops excel in portability. They also feature Slash Lighting and are available in a stylish Platinum White option, making a bold visual statement.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
The new 2025 ROG Strix SCAR 16 & 18, ROG Strix G16, and ROG Zephyrus G14 & G16 are now available for pre-order through online retailers including Best Buy, Memory Express, CDW, Canada Computers, and selected retailers.
Additional availability will be listed on the ASUS website later in Q1, with shipments expected to start from late March.
For more information, contact your local ASUS representative.
SPECIFICATIONS
ROG Strix SCAR 18
Config Model Name
G835LX-XS99-CA
G835LX-XS97
G835LW-XS97
G835LW-BS97-CB
G835LR-XS96
Marketing Name
ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Color
Off Black
Weight
3.30 Kg (7.28 lbs)
Dimensions
39.9 x 29.8 x 2.35 ~ 3.20 cm (15.71" x 11.73" x 0.93" ~ 1.26")
Display
18", ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560x1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz(36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU24GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU12GB GDDR7
Memory
64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM)
32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM)
32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
Storage
2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack
Battery
90 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
MSRP
C$6,999
C$6,499
C$5,299
C$5,299
C$4,499
Where to buy link
Best BuyCanada ComputersASUS
Best BuyCanada ComputersMemory ExpressASUS
Best BuyCanada ComputersMemory ExpressASUS
Best BuyASUS
Canada ComputersASUS
ROG Strix SCAR 16
Config Model Name
G635LX-XS99-CA
G635LX-XS97
G635LW-XS97
G635LR-XS96
Marketing Name
ROG Strix Scar 16 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Color
Off Black
Weight
2.80 Kg (6.17 lbs)
Dimensions
35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94" x 10.55" x 0.90" ~ 1.21")
Display
16" ROG Nebula HDR, Mini LED, 240Hz, 2560x1600, 500 nits (SDR), 1200 nits (HDR), 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR, 1200:1 contrast ratio
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX 2.7 GHz(36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU24GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU12GB GDDR7
Memory
64 GB DDR5 (2 x 32 GB SO-DIMM)
32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
Storage
2TB + 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD (RAID 0)(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Camera for Windows Hello
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack
Battery
90 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
MSRP
C$6,699
C$5,999
C$4,999
C$4,499
Where to buy link
Best BuyCanada ComputersASUS
Best BuyCanada ComputersCDWASUS
Best BuyCanada ComputersASUS
Canada ComputersASUS
ROG Strix G16 (2025)
Config Model Name
G615LW-XS96-CA
G615LR-DS96-CA
Marketing Name
ROG Strix G16 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Color
Off Black
Weight
2.65 Kg (5.84 lbs)
Dimensions
35.4 x 26.8 x 2.28 ~ 3.08 cm (13.94" x 10.55" x 0.90" ~ 1.21")
Display
16-inch, 2.5K (2560 x 1600, WQXGA), 240HZ, 3ms, G-SYNC, 16:10 aspect ratio, IPS, anti-glare display, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, Dolby Vision HDR
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 275HX2.7 GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 24 cores, 24 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU12GB GDDR7
Memory
32 GB DDR5 (2 x 16 GB SO-DIMM)
Storage
1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe M.2 Performance SSD(2x M.2 PCIe slots total)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Webcam
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x 2.5G Lan Jack 2 x Thunderbolt 5 (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 mm Audio Combo Jack
Battery
90 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, Up to 380W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 19A, 380W, Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz universal
MSRP
C$4,299
C$3,599
Where to buy link
Best BuyCanada ComputersASUS
Canada ComputersASUS
ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
Config Model Name
GA403WW-RS96-CA
GA403WR-DS96-CA
Marketing Name
ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Home
Color
Platinum White
Weight
1.57 Kg (3.46 lbs)
Dimensions
31.1 x 22.0 x 1.59 ~ 1.83 cm (12.24" x 8.66" x 0.63" ~ 0.72")
Display
14", ROG Nebula, OLED, 120Hz, 2880 x 1800, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR
Processor
AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 Processor 2.0GHz (36MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 12 cores, 24 Threads); AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU12GB GDDR7
Memory
32 GB LPDDR5X 8000 (on board)
32 GB LPDDR5X 7500 (on board)
Storage
1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (1 x SSD PCIE 4.0)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Webcam
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x USB 4.0 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack1x card reader (microSD) (UHS-II)
Battery
73 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 200W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal
MSRP
C$4,299
C$3,699
Where to buy link
ASUS
Best BuyASUS
ROG Zephyrus G16
Config Model Name
GU605CX-XS98-CA
GU605CW-XS98-CA
GU605CR-XS98-CA
Marketing Name
ROG Zephyrus G16 (2025)
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Color
Platinum White
Weight
1.95 Kg (4.30 lbs)
Dimensions
35.4 x 24.6 x 1.49 ~ 1.74 cm (13.94" x 9.69" x 0.59" ~ 0.69")
Display
16", ROG Nebula, OLED, 240Hz, 2560x1600, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, Pantone Validated, G-Sync, Dolby Vision HDR
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor 285H2.9 GHz (24MB Cache, up to 5.4 GHz, 16 cores, 16 Threads); Intel AI Boost NPU up to 13TOPS
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU24GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Laptop GPU16GB GDDR7
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU12GB GDDR7
Memory
64 GB LPDDR5X 7467 (on board)
Storage
2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD included (2 x SSD PCIE 4.0)
Webcam
1080p FHD IR Webcam
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
IO Ports
1 x Thunderbolt 4 (PD, DP support) 1 x USB 3.2 Gen Type-C (PD, DP, G-Sync support) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A 1 x HDMI 2.1 FRL 1 x 3.5 Audio Combo Jack1x card reader (SD) (UHS-II, 312MB/s
Battery
90 Whr
AC Adapter
Rectangle Conn, 240W AC Adapter, Output: 20V DC, 12A, 240W, Input: 100~240C AC 50/60Hz universal
MSRP
C$5,499
C$4,799
C$4,299
Where to buy link
Best Buy Canada ComputersMemory ExpressASUS
Best Buy Canada ComputersMemory ExpressASUS
Best Buy ASUS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Where to buy links:
ROG Strix SCAR 18: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/wtb/
ROG Strix SCAR 16: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-16-2025/wtb/
ROG Strix G16: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g16-2025/wtb/
ROG Strix G18: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g18-2025/wtb/
ROG Zephyrus G14: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g14-2025/wtb/
ROG Zephyrus G16: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g16-2025-gu605/wtb/
Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/collection/nvidia-rtx-50-series-laptops/631700?path=category%253AComputers%2B%2526%2BTablets%253Bcategory%253ALaptops%2B%2526%2BMacBooks%253Bcategory%253AGaming%2BLaptops%253BbrandName%253AASUS
2025 ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/content/2025-rog-gaming-laptops/
ROG Strix SCAR 18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-18-2025/
ROG Strix SCAR 16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-scar-16-2025/
ROG Strix G18 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g18-2025/
ROG Strix G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-strix/rog-strix-g16-2025/
ROG Zephyrus G14 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g14-2025/
ROG Zephyrus G16 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-zephyrus/rog-zephyrus-g16-2025-gu605/
ROG Flow Z13 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/
ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog
ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog
ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus
ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus
About ROG
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world's best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a844e4b-61d1-4a8d-a25e-66e5fe44bbd8
CONTACT: PRESS CONTACTS Media Relations ASUS Canada media.ca@asus.com Redoine Taoussi Public Relations Manager Redoine_Taoussi@asus.comSign in to access your portfolio
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Columbia University professor Eric Talley agreed with Jensen, telling Fortune that while the federal government has previously applied subsidies to exports, he's not aware of other historical cases imposing taxes on selected exporters. Talley also cited the export clause as the usual grounds for finding such arrangements unconstitutional. Rather than downplaying the uniqueness of the arrangement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been leaning into it. In a Bloomberg television interview, he said: 'I think you know, right now, this is unique. But now that we have the model and the beta test, why not expand it? I think we could see it in other industries over time.' Bessent and the White House insist there are 'no national security concerns,' since only less-advanced chips are being sold to China. Instead, officials have touted the deal as a creative solution to balance trade, technology, and national policy. How rare is this? The arrangement has drawn sharp reaction from business leaders, legal experts, and trade analysts. Julia Powles, director of UCLA's Institute for Technology, Law & Policy, told the Los Angeles Times: 'It ties the fate of this chip manufacturer in a very particular way to this administration, which is quite rare.' Experts warned that if replicated, this template could pressure other firms—not just tech giants—into similar arrangements with the government. Already, several unprecedented arrangements have been struck between the Trump administration and the corporate sector, ranging from the 'golden share' in U.S. Steel negotiated as part of its takeover by Japan's Nippon Steel to the federal government reportedly discussing buying a stake in chipmaker Intel. Nvidia and AMD have declined to comment on specifics. When contacted by Fortune for comment, Nvidia reiterated its statement that it follows rules the U.S. government sets for its participation in worldwide markets. 'While we haven't shipped H20 to China for months, we hope export control rules will let America compete in China and worldwide. America cannot repeat 5G and lose telecommunication leadership. America's AI tech stack can be the world's standard if we race.' The White House declined to comment about the potential deal. AMD did not respond to a request for comment. While Washington has often intervened in business—especially in times of crisis—the mechanism and magnitude of the Nvidia/AMD deal are virtually unprecedented in recent history. The federal government appears to have never previously claimed a percentage of corporate revenue from export sales as a precondition for market access. Instead, previous actions took the form of temporary nationalization, regulatory control, subsidies, or bailouts—often during war or economic emergency. Examples of this include the seizure of coal mines (1946) and steel mills (1952) during labor strikes, as well as the 2008 financial crisis bailouts, where the government took equity stakes in large corporations including two of Detroit's Big three and most of Wall Street's key banks. During World War I, the War Industries Board regulated prices, production, and business conduct for the war effort. Congress has previously created export incentives and tax-deferral strategies (such as the Domestic International Sales Corporation and Foreign Sales Corporation Acts), but these measures incentivized sales rather than directly diverting a fixed share of export revenue to the government. Legal scholars stress that such arrangements were subjected to global trade rules and later modified after international complaints. Global lack of precedent The U.S. prohibition on export taxes dates back to the birth of the nation. Case Western's Jensen has written that some delegates of the Constitutional Convention of 1787, such as New York's Alexander Hamilton, were in favor of the government being able to tax revenue sources such as imports and exports, but the 'staple states' in the southern U.S. were fiercely opposed, given their agricultural bent, especially the importance of cotton at that point. Still, many other countries currently have export taxes on the books, though they are generally imposed across all exporters, rather than as one-off arrangements that remove barriers to a specific market. And many of the nations with export taxes are developing countries who tax agricultural or resource commodities. In several cases (Uganda, Malaya, Sudan, Nigeria, Haiti, Thailand), export taxes made up 10% to 40% of total government tax revenue in the 1960s and 1970s, according to an IMF staff paper. Globally, most countries tax profits generated within their borders ('source-based corporate taxes'), but rarely as a direct percentage of export sales as a market access precondition. The standard model is taxation of locally earned profits, regardless of export destination; licensing fees and tariffs may be applied, but not usually as a fixed percent of export revenue as a pre-negotiated entry fee. Although the Nvidia/AMD deal doesn't take the usual form of a tax, Case Western's Jensen added. 'I don't see what else it could be characterized as.' It's clearly not a 'user fee,' which he said is the usual triable issue of law in export clause cases. For instance, if goods or services are being provided by the government in exchange for the charge, such as docking fees at a governmentally operated port, then that charge isn't a tax or duty and the Export Clause is irrelevant. 'I just don't see how the charges that will be levied in the chip cases could possibly be characterized in that way.' Players have been known to 'game' the different legal treatments of subsidies and taxes, Columbia's Talley added. He cited the example of a government imposing a uniform, across-the-board tax on all producers, but then providing a subsidy to sellers who sell to domestic markets. 'The net effect would be the same as a tax on exports, but indirectly.' He was unaware of this happening in the U.S. but cited several international examples including Argentina, India, and even the EU. One famous example of a canny international tax strategy was Apple's domicile in Ireland, along with so many other multinationals keeping their international profits offshore in affiliates in order to avoid paying U.S. tax, which at the time applied to all worldwide income upon repatriation. Talley said much of this went away after the 2018 tax reforms, which moved the U.S. away from a worldwide corporate tax, with some exceptions. The protection racket comparison If Trump's chip export tax is an anomaly in the annals of U.S. international trade, the deal structure has some parallels in another corner of the business world: organized crime, where 'protection rackets' have a long history. Businesses bound by such deals must pay a cut of their revenues to a criminal organization (or parallel government), effectively as the cost for being allowed to operate or to avoid harm. The China chip export tax and the protection rackets extract revenue as a condition for market access, use the threat of exclusion or punishment for non-payment, and both may be justified as 'protection' or 'guaranteed access,' but are not freely negotiated by the business. 'It certainly has the smell of a governmental shakedown in certain respects,' Columbia's Talley told Fortune, considering that the 'underlying threat was an outright export ban, which makes a 15% surcharge seem palatable by comparison.' Talley noted some nuances, such as the generally established broad statutory and constitutional support for national-security-based export bans on various goods and services sold to enumerated countries, which have been imposed with legal authority on China, North Korea, Iraq, Russia, Cuba, and others. 'From an economic perspective, a ban on an exported good is tantamount to a tax of 'infinity percent' on the good,' Talley said, meaning it effectively shuts down the export market for that good. 'Viewed in that light, a 15% levy is less (and not more) extreme than a ban.' Still, there's the matter, similar to Trump's tariff regime, of making a legal challenge to an ostensibly blatantly illegal policy actually hold up in court. 'A serious question with the chips tax,' Case Western's Jensen told Fortune, 'is who, if anyone, would have standing to challenge the tax?' In other words, it may be unconstitutional, but who's actually going to compel the federal government to obey the constitution? This story was originally featured on Sign in to access your portfolio
