Please note: I hesitated to bring up this topic because of the inherent political weight it carries here in the United States (and this really only applies to those of us in the U.S.). So please—no political comments. Our moderators will remove them.
That said, I feel it’s important to share this, especially for anyone attending Hamvention 2025 or planning a radio or gear purchase in the near future.
Many of you know I have a number of contacts in the amateur radio world, including manufacturers and retailers. While I won’t share names or specific companies, I can tell you there are two common concerns among all of them right now: tariffs and uncertainty.
As of this posting, most amateur radio goods imported into the U.S. from China and Japan are subject to tariffs. These tariffs can increase the price of an item by 24% or more—in some cases, more than doubling the cost, depending on the item and country of origin. One manufacturer mentioned to me, “What impacts us most as hams is stuff [components and final products] generally comes from Japan 24% or China 145%.”
Even U.S.-based manufacturers are feeling the impact. Many rely on components from China simply because there’s no equivalent supply chain available in the States. Another manufacturer told me he recently paid $1,800 for components and was then charged a $2,700 tariff on top of that. When profit margins are already thin, those added costs inevitably get passed on to the customer.
Retailers are seeing this too. Unless something changes, certain products may not be imported at all because tariffs make them unaffordable. According to two different sources in the world of amateur radio retail, this could even affect the availability of the new FTX-1 in the U.S. It’s already a premium-priced radio—would customers be willing to pay 24%+ more than MSRP? Retailers are betting not.
The Uncertainty Factor
Some manufacturers tried to plan ahead by stockpiling components before tariffs took effect. Others are using options like bonded warehouses to hold inventory in hopes that tariffs will be rolled back soon. But many smaller, mom-and-pop manufacturers don’t have the capacity or resources to do this, so they’re forced to deal with tariffs in real time.
The Takeaway
If you’re based in the U.S. and considering a large purchase like a new radio, now might be the time. Tariffs do not affect inventory that’s already Stateside. So if you’re shopping Hamvention next week and buying direct from a vendor and walking away with the product in-hand, you’re likely getting a better deal than you would a few weeks or months down the road if tariffs persist.
Of course, this could all change overnight if tariffs are lifted or reduced—it may become a non-issue. But as things stand today, we’re on the cusp of seeing the real impact of tariffs on amateur radio gear here in the US. Once existing inventory is depleted, expect increased costs to be passed on to the consumer.
Please remember: I consider QRPer a safe haven from political discussions. There are much better places online to explore and debate the politics of this issue—QRPer simply isn’t one of them. Our community has always been welcoming, civil, and focused on what we love: field radio. Thank you in advance for helping keep it that way!
There is an option to fly to Japan and pack radio as private. Might be cheaper than buying in US.
And a BRILLIANT excuse to visit Japan! 🙂
Surely you would still need proof of purchase to avoid paying an import fee. People leaving a country with an expensive item and returning later often have proof of purchase with them to avoid such problems.
A quick google came up with CBP Form 4457 which USAians would fill in to avoid paying import duties on goods that they had purchased in the US. Yeah, so they’ll be checking.
👍
Proof of purchase is needed when you travel loaded with equipment and it looks like you might be planning to sell it. Of course one can be unlucky. But I actually never imported to US, so might be different there and more strict.
Why not buy from a UK dealer if tariffs continue. Only a 10% markup currently + delivery
I understand that tariffs are based on country of origin, not country of purchase. If you buy from a UK retailer, but the country of origin of the product is Japan/China, you’ll still be charged a tariff.
If you travel to the UK and purchase there? That might be different, especially if the product is “used” (meaning, it’s not still NIB) when you take it back home.
Well my FOMO just increased (in jest). I have the KH1 and just got another KX2. Maybe a used KXPA100 or K3 will be in store for me at Dayton. Regardless, I’ll see you at FDIM or at your booth.
Ha! Pick me up a K4 while you’re at it, Tim! 🙂 I look forward to seeing you in a few days.
I am dreading having to buy the next set of PCBs for the CFT1. If I have to pay 145% on them, I won’t be able to afford them at the current price which is already “too expensive” for a lot of people.
I was thinking about you, Jonathan.
Big items are one thing but those of us who buy smaller things like electronic parts will feel the elimination of the $800 waiver of import duties. Before, we could have items shipped from China, Japan, Taiwan or Europe, for that matter, and if the shipments were less than $800 value and shipped directly to your residence they were duty free. Now, as early as a month ago, I bought some parts from Mouser and there was a tariff surcharge on the bill. A large percentage tariff will clobber the hobbyist who plays around with small quantities.
Greetings!
Don’t forget the Lithium (Iron) LI-PO4 batteries. I got my grade A rated from Li Time and I just noticed the 6A versions went up from $21 to $41 and believe the L Iron is safer than those expensive repackaged 18650 L Ion units from others, but……I am assuming they have plenty of stock for a couple weeks anyway on their 100ah batteries that only went up about $20. Purchase in stock US inventory & lock in the price before they run dry is what I would suggest and don’t wait. I had purchased 3 of the 100 amp units and glad I did before all this went down. China just walked out, half way through a meeting with US in Switzerland yesterday, so it is not looking good for now, or for Walmart.
Yes–I think very few batteries are actually fully-sourced here in the US today, so those prices will increase.
One could infer from this that the price of a KH1 is likely as low as it will be for some time, and saving shipping costs by purchasing it at Dayton is just “a prudent, fiscally responsible choice”.
Any help on the spousal “you got another radio? Really?” front helps.
“A prudent, fiscally responsible choice”
I approve this message! 🙂 Go get a KH1! 🙂
Yay! Friday morning when they open! Hope I don’t miss to much FDIM as a result. Can’t wait!
It’s so tiny and looks retro. Just say, “it was too good of a deal on this little old radio.” And if that works let me know so I can try it for my next radio.
If I didn’t have an FTX-1 on order? I’d buy a second KH1 (and KX2 for that matter!). 🙂
All good food for thought in case one is considering a major purchase. I saw this as non political and just the world we live in right now. Thanks and 72!
Steve – K8SAS
Thank you, Steve. 🙂
GREAT article!!! Reality, not politics!!!!
de W4ISA
Exactly!
I am wondering if used gear prices will be affected at Hamvention and other future handsets, as ‘in stock’ hardware dries up in the market.
I also foresee a lot of hams keeping gear they have due to the market increases in the future.
There is a lot of speculation going on right now.
John,
I am sure a lot of older hams don’t realize how watered down the dollar has become with the so called 2% inflation yearly laughable target.
In 3 to 5 years they might increase another 20% or more. As many senior hams decide another path, more equipment will come on the market to help stabilize the price or the better half will just decide to give away those must have rigs, without a thought hi…!!! I am still using my two Yaesu FT-100-D rigs from the 1990’s smallest ever at 100 watts, with remote heads, and could care less about the new stuff with spectrum displays that make the rig too thick and to me are just window dressing / new chrome bumpers like the old US cars hi. Use a high power (very light) external Li PO4 battery versus some low power out built in battery and who cares about power drain on receive with these new Li PO4 batteries. As the manufacturers over charge and change the bumper and tail lights out to have a new model you can watch the circus clamoring to be the first for a new rig. Want some more sensitivity, get a better antenna. Want less noise, slap on a dual DSP unit, phase noise cancel unit, or a mag loop antenna or just go DMR with a rubber duck or tap into a HF remote station with all the latest eye candy. What we need to worry about more in the future is all those deserted food island areas that will be in the USA as stores close and you need a frig in your car to make it to and from the 200 miles to the closest food store at $9/ gallon for fuel. The bright side is you have an excuse to pick up that used rig with no ship charges along the way hi.
Oh–my opinion?–this will 100% affect used gear prices if the tariffs persist. Especially for models that are currently in production.
I agree with John M. I see a downturn in new amateur equipment acquisitions. Hanging on to what is already on the operating desk, and, to more thinking “small”. Of course those two-dollar cigarette package-size QRP rigs will increase in price but not nearly as much as the latest big-buck belled and whistled product. Don’t forget, the cost of living, food, clothing, and shelter, will not be excluded from price increases.
Challenging amateur radio times ahead. Might not be a bad thing.
I guess the wise thing is to follow up on any orders. Our son ordered custom audio gear from Italy (non ham) in March. DHL sent an email asking for another $200 in tariff fees which he paid. Within 24 hours it was delivered (SoCal) which was kind of suspicious. Was it already on the truck waiting for additional payment? Are companies really being charged this, or are they using this as an excuse to get more from us?!? Really need to be aware of what is applicable to each country.
Wow. That’s a really good point.
That said, I think international carriers can hold the item in their US warehouse while waiting on a tariff to be paid. That said, it’s super important to make sure the request is authentic so you have a good point.
I can’t speak to your son’s case in particular, but I’ve received notifications from each of the carriers over the years and a request to pay before delivery as that is their obligation when they act as the broker (power of attorney) for clearing your package. It usually has some sort of brokerage fees plus the tax/duty/tariff as well. And, yes, the package is delivered a day or two later. The duty/tariff rate has everything to do with how the package is declared by the seller as well, and the seller risks having the package returned if it’s falsely declared, plus some carriers charge a penalty to the seller in cases like this.
In cases like this, as with any suspicious message, verify it’s legit before paying by comparing the tracking number (which the seller should have shared with you) and the URL in the browser once you click on a link. Here in Canada it’s all subject to a general tax plus possibly duty/tariff, and the brokerage fee.
Thomas, I am wondering if any of the radio manufacturers you spoke with discussed moving production to the US? As I understand the logic used by the Trump Administration is that they argue tariffs are needed to bring manufacturing back to the US.
Do you get the sense that this is at all on the minds of manufacturers?
News says some chip production is shifting to the US since Taiwan’s fabs are maxed out. There’s a lot of excitement about Intel and Nvidia ordering from US chip makers, and they announced the dollar amount—but they didn’t mention what percentage of their total production this represents or if they’re still ordering from Taiwan too. It’s hard to tell if this is just covering basic US needs or if the US is truly becoming competitive in chip manufacturing. The challenge is that these products are typically made with very low-cost labor, which might be difficult to match with American wages while keeping products affordable. Also costs increase wont affect wealthy people but people who struggle the most.
All of the manufacturers I spoke with are U.S.-based. While the intent behind the tariffs is to incentivize domestic manufacturing, the reality is that electronics manufacturing is deeply reliant on a global supply chain. Many U.S. companies—especially those building radios and other electronics—depend on components that are simply not manufactured domestically in sufficient quantity or quality.
Take companies like Elecraft, FlexRadio, or LnR Precision, for example. They design and build their radios here in the U.S., but many of their components must be sourced internationally because there are no viable domestic alternatives. If those imported parts are subject to tariffs as high as 145%, it significantly increases the overall cost of production. A radio that might normally sell for $650 could easily jump to $1,100 or more.
This puts manufacturers in a difficult position. Do they stock up now and pay the higher tariff—raising their retail prices—or do they wait in hopes that tariffs will be reduced or eliminated? That kind of uncertainty makes long-term planning very difficult.
The same uncertainty impacts consumers. If a $1,500 radio suddenly costs $2,400 due to tariffs, many buyers may postpone their purchase, which in turn impacts the manufacturer’s revenue—yet their operating costs continue.
So while the broader policy aim is reshoring manufacturing, in practice, the complexity of modern supply chains—and the unpredictability of trade policy—can create real challenges for small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers in the amateur radio space.
I’m wondering if US-manufactured electronic products can truly become cost-competitive in today’s market. The CFT1, priced at $400, appears to utilize Arduino architecture and internationally sourced components in a 3D printed enclosure, which raises questions about pricing strategies when compared to similarly priced products like LNTs MTRs that emphasize US assembly as a value proposition. With the significant cost differential between domestic and international manufacturing, what economic factors would need to change for US-produced electronics to achieve price parity? Is there a sustainable path forward for domestic electronic manufacturing, or will the market continue to support premium pricing for US-assembled products regardless of component origins?
Maybe I was mis- understood about Tariffs and electronics.
I thought it was said that there would be no Tariffs on electronics.
If there is , hopefully this will all settle down in due time.
At present, there are tariffs on electronics. I wouldn’t be surprised if, in due time, certain electronics either carried an exemption or lower tariffs (think mobile phones). At present, it’s really a “wait and see” situation.
The entire history of radio is so interesting because of how resourceful nearly everyone was; whether it was the pioneers, tinkerers, or manufacturers. It wasn’t even that long ago, recent enough that we have pictures of these people. Let’s resolve to continue that spirit. For example, people built/modified radios to listen to what they weren’t supposed to listen to behind oppressive borders. Maybe you’ve even had to create your own electrical components out of necessity. I’m sure a lot of us here have hacked around at something we’re proud of and should be.
Has anyone here been working on that 40 meter dc receiver project over at soldersmoke? What a cool project! They keep saying, “if you know stuff, you can do stuff.” I don’t know if they’re quoting someone else or if it’s theirs. I’ve been thinking about that a lot lately. It’s true, the more you know, the more inconveniences you can bypass.
Tariffs may come and go, among a host of other inconvenient fees and taxes, but they can’t tariff knowledge. (can’t say the same for some of the parts you have to source) We can also resolve to stop adding our broken electronics to landfills, maybe do our best to add them to our junk boxes.
I put together the DC40 receiver, it was fun to work on
Hi Thomas,
This is very accurate. Already seeing it in the sector
that I work in. Imported product is scarce to non existent.
I agree. Buy now or pay more.
Well written article.
Jay – KK1J
For those of us not in the US we can’t use the excuse of incoming tariffs for a new radio purchase!
If the tariffs stay in place in the USA then it will be interesting to see whether over time the big three shift some of their capacity/stock to other markets thereby lowering the price in that market as they need to shift more stock, albeit with bigger margins than they could achieve in the US market with the tariffs.
It’s going to be basic economy demand and supply, as when EU introduced sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, oil prices per barrel dropped by half in India. Because they had to sell product and there was less demand for it. Likey same is gonna happen with radios to sell more they will have to lower prices so also Americans can buy and people who can’t afford them. Remember that the product is as much worth as customers are willing to pay for it. They can’t increase prices.
Just an update: As of May 14th, the Chinese tariffs were reduces to 10% for at least 90 days. Japan’s tariffs remain at 24%.
The rest of the world have been paying way more in tariffs for radio equipment or any other electronics than the US has. Just ask anyone in Europe , the same radios cost more then the US. iPhones cost more in Europe then in the US since forever. Maybe iCom and Yaesu will finally open manufacturing in the US so we can get cheaper radios. This might be good at the end. Until them, hold onto your radios. Do not sell.