De Minimus Exemption and Tariffs for US Chi-Fi buyers

[bixby]

Since the Executive Order eliminating the $800 de minimus exemption for single item purchases form China for US buyers, does anyone know what the "normal" duty would be on purchases going forward?

And also has anyone seen an increase in pricing from our normal Chinese online resellers as a result of the additional 10% tariff going into effect right now?

 

[dunring]

There's no tariff on audio equipment like amplifiers or DACs, I checked the import codes. I've bought stuff in the past over that amount and never got charged. It's just the 10 percent now, but that's subject to change with politicians. The Mexico one got put on hold and Canada might be too, no telling if the Chinese one will even last. I'm taking a wait and see approach on it.
Last time it was on washing machines prices went up 15 percent on them, also U.S. made ones, and dryers too even though it wasn't on them but they're sold with washing machines.
China retaliated on tariffs on products from Republican states and districts. We have JDS Labs and Schiit so not that worried about an increase. The Tier 1 distributors might have margins to absorb it and ship duty paid until the politicians learn what a bad idea tariffs are.

 

[bixby]

Cool, this info is what got me questioning things, especially iems. I did seee that mp3 players using semiconductor material was duty free.

According to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS), the duty on wired headphones imported from China is typically 4.9% ad valorem, classified under HS code 8518.30.20, which applies to headphones and earphones, whether or not combined with a microphone.

 

[dunring]

I did my usual sweeps for pricing today, all the sales are off on direct sellers. Aliexpress, almost all the eBay listings are back to MSRP except one or two. Amazon has no sales and even the used audio equipment is like 2-4% off new prices. It looks like the manufacturers selling direct all just went to retail pricing to absorb the 10 percent. Next time I order I'll see if it's sent duties prepaid which I'm guessing is how they'll do it. There's always the used market, but some new products haven't been on the market long enough to get there and new is the only option.
For new purchases, Aliexpress coins, coupons they still run, and a cash back credit card may be the best way to squeeze down prices until this whole thing gets resolved. The Amazon credit card has 5% cashback, but off full MSRP that's not much. As soon as this gets settled the sale prices will come back. Can't go wrong with JDS Labs, Schiit, Dan Clark Audio, or Grado in the meantime.

 

[bixby]

Good info! I checked a few iems on Amazon sold by Linsoul. They are still offering coupons, I assume due to the fact the items are already here in A'zon warehouse. Obvioiusly that will change in time.

In the meantime, the brands you mentioned only offer a drop in the bucket selection wise compared to Chi-Fi sales. Still if a Chi-Fi item is a good deal it still should be a good deal at MSRP.

Heck the last IEM I bought was at MSRP and I think it is a great value yet it is $20 cheaper on Amazon today.

 

[gikigill]

Best of luck to my Yank brothers and sisters
Luckily Australia isn't doing anything of this sort.

 

[bixby]

BAM! Thanks for the info @gikigill.

I was just talking to my friend about his tonight. I said since most small parcels are shipped via China Post because prices are insanely cheap, that the USPS on our end would be overwhelmed by the processing of customs duties now that the exemption is gone.

My guess is that anyone shipping Chi-Fi will have to use DHL , UPS, FEDEX, etc, and will pay duteis along with their processing fees.

My other guess is Amazon will have a bunch of new sellers as well as increased inventory from the usuals like Linsoul.

 

[earmonger]

USA tariff policy: Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

 

[gikigill]

Funnily enough the Aussie dollar is going down compared to the Greenback so my shopping will be more from Asia.

Bought three US market only Seikos from a registered seller in Florida last month and looks like that's the last of my Yankee shopping.

SSC945, 929 and 927 for the horologically inclined.

 

[apagumila]

Anyone know if tariffs are gonna apply for Aliexpress shipping?

 

[earmonger]

Shipping has been restored after that pause above. Ali shipping is usually free over $10 -- are you worried about pennies?

 

[apagumila]

Shipping has been restored after that pause above. Ali shipping is usually free over $10 -- are you worried about pennies?

I'm worried about a 10% tariff being imposed on my order

 

[gikigill]

Anyone know if tariffs are gonna apply for Aliexpress shipping?

Yup, the price will stay the same for your order on Ali but the local postal service will charge the tariff. The tariff is payable at the last step before delivery.

Example: You paid $100 on Ali, the usual price. Once it lands in the USA, customs (or the external revenue service as its been recently in the news ) will apply the tariff and the postal service will charge you the tariff of say $25 on the item.

The item is not released until you pay and it's destroyed after a few weeks of non payment.

 

[apagumila]

Yup, the price will stay the same for your order on Ali but the local postal service will charge the tariff. The tariff is payable at the last step before delivery.

Example: You paid $100 on Ali, the usual price. Once it lands in the USA, customs (or the external revenue service as its been recently in the news ) will apply the tariff and the postal service will charge you the tariff of say $25 on the item.

The item is not released until you pay and it's destroyed after a few weeks of non payment.

Wow that's actually ass. I guess the days of ordering cheap stuff from Aliexpress is done lol thanks trump

 

[gikigill]

Wow that's actually ass. I guess the days of ordering cheap stuff from Aliexpress is done lol thanks trump

Yup, contrary to popular belief, "Gyna" doesn't pay the tariff, it's the end user.

But what do I know, I'm only an accountant since Baby Bush was in office and listening to experts and intellectuals is kinda out of fashion nowadays.